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Warning Analysis for the Information Age - Higgins Counterterrorism ...

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ways can be identified in this way so that every new MDA of a differentWMD or CBRNE program will become easier as a common WMDMDA model is built <strong>for</strong> each type of WMD and a range of differentstrategies within that model emerges by analysis of multiple programs.Biologists now exploit <strong>the</strong> power of homology searching by using a few simplebioin<strong>for</strong>matics tools to deduce <strong>the</strong> function and mechanisms of newly discoveredgenes by comparison with evidence in DNA, protein, genetic, and o<strong>the</strong>rdatabases—without having to per<strong>for</strong>m any additional laboratory or field experiments!Once MDA has been used to profile a few WMD programs, using similarhomology searching methods can recall more evidence from <strong>the</strong> current databaseswithout having to per<strong>for</strong>m new field collection. If analysts concentrate onusing systematic MDA-assisted hypo<strong>the</strong>sis testing to build better <strong>the</strong>ories andassessments against a worldwide baseline of WMD programs, not only will ourunderstanding of individual programs greatly improve, but an understanding ofWMD proliferation mechanisms will inevitably emerge.Computers Don’t Think, People Think—New Thinking Tools<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> In<strong>for</strong>mation <strong>Age</strong>A system is defined as a set of different elements so connected orrelated as to per<strong>for</strong>m a unique function not per<strong>for</strong>mable by <strong>the</strong> elementsalone. 61 Annette KrygielSystems, like <strong>the</strong>ir biological counterparts, are defined by what <strong>the</strong>y DO, notwhat <strong>the</strong>y ARE. The “database problem” is not a problem with databases at all.Ra<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> problem is to build a new system of people and in<strong>for</strong>mation technology(IT) systems by which <strong>the</strong> analysts can, in fact, find Novel Intelligence inMassive Data and can, in fact, provide strategic warning. The new system will becomposed of people and computers whereby <strong>the</strong> computers and <strong>the</strong> databases<strong>the</strong>y contain will be tools <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> analysts to use to become smarter.The problem with <strong>the</strong> “database” problem is in first realizing that <strong>the</strong>re are atleast four different kinds of databases. Each corresponds to <strong>the</strong> datasets thatresearchers already use in hypo<strong>the</strong>sis testing (data repository, data collection, evidencefile, and assessment outline) and each is distinct in its <strong>for</strong>mat and usage.And it is very important to keep clear <strong>the</strong> distinction between databases and <strong>the</strong>datasets <strong>the</strong>y contain. Lessons learned from MDA projects on WMD programs61 Krygiel, 32.140

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