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- Functional Categories of Intelligence Information:Â Categorized by subject — what is the information about?Note that, unless specified otherwise, these categories apply both internationally and domestically.
- Martial (including Law Enforcement)
Pertaining to maintenance, overthrow, subversion, or bypass of the established political and legal order by force of arms or by stealth. Internationally, this means war in its various guises; domestically this means, primarily, criminality, but includes terrorism, rebellion, and physical acts of protest that cross the line into criminality or threats to public safety.
- Political
Pertaining to the organization and exercise of power, including the practice of government, its underlying philosophical and cultural foundations, and the management and evolution of power relationships among individuals and groups.
- Diplomatic
Pertaining to allegiances, antagonisms, alliances, hostilities, and cooperation among nations.
- Legal
Pertaining to formal law and informal social and cultural codes of conduct that effect functioning of political and economic activities.
- Economic
Pertaining to the management, production, transport, distribution, and consumption of wealth, and the systems which facilitate them.
- Technological
Pertaining to the development and application of technology. Note that the focus here is on the mechanisms and processes of technological development and deployment; as technology is applied to specific problems the distinction between this category and others (eg. “Economic” or “Martial” or “Cultural” or “Sociological” may blur).
- Academic
Pertaining to the advancement of fundamental human knowledge and understanding, including science, philosophy, and fine arts. Note that the focus here is on the mechanisms and processes of knowledge enhancement; as knowledge is applied in various ways the distinction between this category and others (eg. “Technological” or “Sociological” or “Cultural” or “Economic”) may blur.
- Sociological
Pertaining to demographic and social forces. Note that to the extent that social forces are driven by or drive economic activity and/or cultural issues the distinction between this category and “Economic” and “Cultural” categories may blur.
- Cultural
Pertaining to historical, ethnic, religious, language, and other determinants of moral systems, national character, and local customs.
- Geographic
Pertaining to local geographic locations and topography, climate, weather conditions, flora and fauna, mineral resources, and so on.
- Environmental
Pertaining to climate, air and water quality, biodiversity, ecosystem health, disease, and so on.