US-Based Gambian Scholar Publishes Textbook On National Security, Intelligence
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Gambian-American scholar and university lecturer Dr Alhagie A Mbye has published a new textbook titled Introduction to Intelligence Operations: Principles and Practice, now available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions.
The publication examines the intelligence cycle, intelligence collection disciplines, analytical methodologies, counterintelligence, national security decision-making, legal and ethical considerations, and the expanding influence of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity on modern intelligence operations.
It also explores major historical intelligence successes and failures, including Pearl Harbor, the September 11 terrorist attacks and intelligence assessments concerning Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction.
Dr Mbye currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), where he has taught courses in political science and international relations.
He is also a Lecturer in African Studies in the Department of Africana, Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY).
According to Dr Mbye, he has already sent copies of his textbook to several universities across the United States, where the initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with some institutions considering adopting the publication for undergraduate courses.
He further explained that he is exploring opportunities to make the textbook available as a free Open Educational Resource (OER), particularly for courses focusing on intelligence studies, homeland security, political science, international relations and national security. His intention is to extend access beyond academic institutions to federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as well as police departments and other law enforcement institutions, to support professional training, teaching and scholarly development.
"I am committed to democratising access to knowledge and education. My own education was funded by American taxpayers, and I consider this a modest but meaningful way of giving back to the United States, my adopted country. Knowledge should not be confined to those who can afford it, particularly when it can contribute to public service, national security and the professional development of future generations," Dr Mbye said.
The Touba Mourit-born scholar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration, with a concentration in Law and Public Policy, from Walden University; a Master of Education from Post University; a Master of Philosophy from Walden University; a Master of Science in International Relations from Liberty University; a Master of Public Administration from Columbia Southern University; a Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies from American Military University; and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland University College.
Dr Mbye has also expressed his commitment to supporting educational opportunities for Gambian students through proceeds from his publications, with particular emphasis on providing scholarships for students pursuing university education.
Introduction to Intelligence Operations: Principles and Practice is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions.