Great Decisions 2008 Forum in Manchester!

On Saturday, April 5th, WACNH members and friends saw Dr. Melvin Goodman share his remarks on the politicization of U.S. intelligence and the effects it has on foreign affairs at UNH-Manchester. Professor William C. Martel, Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith and Brigadier General (ret.) Jim Smith served on a panel of experts. Arnie Arneson, host of the weekly NH public news show "Political Chowder,” moderated the discussion. Dr. Goodman" talk focused on U.S. Defense & Security Policy: The Failure of Intelligence. His talk covered the United States foreign policy issues in Iraq, Russia and other parts of the world. His latest book, The Failure of Intelligence: The Rise and Fall of the CIA” was available for purchase.

Dr. Melvin A. Goodman is a senior fellow and director of the National Security Program at the Center for International Policy. Melvin A. Goodman is a former professor of International Security Studies and chairman of the International Relations Department at the National War College. He was division chief and senior analyst at the Office of Soviet Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency from 1966 to 1990. He was a senior analyst at the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, State Department from 1974 to 1976. He was an intelligence adviser to the Strategic Arms Limitations Talks in Vienna and Washington. He is co-author of The Wars of Edvard Shevardnadze (2nd edition, 2001), The Phantom Defense, America's Pursuit of the Star Wars Illusion (2001) and Bush League Diplomacy; How the Neoconservatives are Putting the World at Risk (2004), and author of the forthcoming The Failure of Intelligence: The Decline and Fall of the CIA.Throughout her 30-year career in public service, Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith has demonstrated a unique ability to succeed in three diverse cultures: the US Congress, the US Military and Higher Education. After earning a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Economics (and later a PhD in Political Science) from UCLA, Dr. Breslin-Smith began working in the US Senate, first for Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas, then Senator Donald Stewart of Alabama and, finally, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont. A fighter pilot and military historian, Brigadier General (ret.) Jim Smith capped a 28-year career in the Air Force as Commander of the Joint Warfighting Center, U.S. Joint Forces Command. From 2000 to 2002, Smith led the largest joint military experiment in our nation’s history. Millennium Challenge tested the capability of the military to transform warfighting, a process that involved examination of the relationships among technology, policy, strategy, and service cultures. A 1974 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Smith has an MA in military history and African-American studies from the University of Indiana. He holds diplomas from the National War College and the Syracuse University program for senior executives. Smith currently is vice president of precision engagement for Raytheon Company. Professor William C. Martel, The Fletcher School: Principal investigator on space policy study with support from MIT Lincoln Laboratory (2007-2009); research support from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Secretary of Defense; Member, Editorial Board of the Naval War College Review; Academic Director, Fletcher Summer Institute for the Advanced Study of Nonviolent Conflict (2006, 2007); Professor of National Security Affairs, Chair of Space Technology and Policy Studies, Naval War College (1999-2005); Research support from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Secretary of Defense, MIT Lincoln Laboratory (current); U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (2001-2002); Associate Professor of International Relations, Air War College (1993-1999); Former Director and Founder, Center for Strategy and Technology (CSAT) (1993-1999); Post-Doctoral Fellow, Harvard University (1991-1993).