Dr. Diane Zorri
IAFIE Intelligence Education Interview Series - Dr. Diane Zorri
Interviewer: IAFIE Volunteer
Table of Contents:
Question 1). Dr. Zorri, let’s start from the basics. How would you like to introduce yourself to the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE)? (For example, areas of interest and focus in security studies).
Question 2). Can you share with our readers what inspired you to pursue the field of security and defense?
Question 3). You have an outstanding national Security and defense policy background. Can you share with our students/readers how your academic experience has played a crucial part in your professional roles?
Question 4). Dr. Zorri, you have extensive experience in the field. Can you share with us how your professional experience helped you transition to the academic world as a professor?
Question 5). You have experience managing hundreds of bilingual and bicultural advisors. What advice would you give students when it comes to studying a foreign language and culture? And how does foreign language play a crucial role in the field?
Question 6). Dr. Zorri, you have various publications on defense policy, security, governance, and big data, which have been featured in various journals, including the Journal of Terrorism, the Special Operations Journal, and the Journal of Strategic Security. Can you share with our readers the most valuable lessons learned from conducting research in these areas? (For example, big data, and or your focus on the Middle East).
Question 7). How do you see the future of intelligence and analysis, and how should educators orient themselves? (for example, curricula).
Question 8). What work do you believe is most representative of your professional life, and what can future analysts, researchers, and intelligence practitioners learn from it?
Question 9). Dr. Zorri, what suggestions would you give to the next generation? (for example: entering the field and becoming an analyst/officer, and where to start?).
Question 10). Lastly, can you share with us five keywords that represent you?
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Interview Introduction: In this compelling interview, Dr. Diane Zorri discusses her professional and academic path, providing insight into her role as an educator and expertise in national security and defense. Dr. Zorri, we thank you once again for participating in the Intelligence Education Interview Series. May your insight and impact on the field continue to inspire our IAFIE community!
Question 1). Dr. Zorri, let’s start from the basics. How would you like to introduce yourself to the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE)? (For example, areas of interest and focus in security studies).
I am a former U.S. Air Force officer, defense industry professional turned academic. My research areas of interest include Middle East politics, U.S. national security strategy, and I am especially interested in how emerging technology can help us become more secure against threats from non-democratic adversaries.
I grew up as an “Army brat,” so I have been around the military my whole life. I have always been interested in how our government makes policy decisions. So, throughout my career, I gravitated towards these fields of study.
My academic experiences often went hand-in-hand with my profession. I completed my undergraduate education at the U.S. Air Force Academy, which came with a 5-year service commitment as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. So, going to the academy directly impacted my professional role. The same can be said about my master’s program at the Naval Postgraduate School. My master’s degree really helped me understand the geopolitics of the Middle East and the role of defense decision-making. I still think back to many of the things I learned in that program, and how it informed my views while I was working in Iraq, and later in the United Arab Emirates. I later used my GI Bill to fund my PhD at George Mason University. Of course, my PhD opened up a bevy of academic roles and professional opportunities.
My background helps me resonate with my students. Veterans can talk to me about military service, but I can also offer advice and ideas in many career fields. Some students are more interested in going into the commercial sectors, others into government roles, and even some into academia. Because I have done a variety of jobs, I can offer many perspectives.
To really understand another culture, you must learn the language. That being said, languages are alive and constantly changing. I believe learning another language can bring richness and depth to your life that can add layers of meaning and connect you to more of humanity. I am a strong proponent of learning as many languages as possible and integrating them into college curricula.
First off, I have found that I do better research when I’m part of a team. This approach does not necessarily work for everyone, but as someone who spent time in the military and industry, I quickly realized that a research project that seems overwhelming at first gets a lot more palatable when you can divvy it up with your colleagues. I also found that (for me) working on a team can help with morale and accountability. In terms of the biggest academic lesson or insight, when I was a co-author on a monograph about Iranian proxies, I was truly alarmed by the nefarious intent of the regime in Tehran. The deeper we analyzed the data, the more evident it became how pervasive and ubiquitous the issue of Iranian proxies is throughout the Middle East.
The field of intelligence is becoming increasingly crucial in academia because advances in AI and data science are reshaping traditional research and analysis. We are seeing that AI can handle much of the routine data collection and processing that previously required significant human effort. This shift will allow analysts to focus on more complex and strategic elements of intelligence work. However, as we delegate tasks to AI, it's going to be critical that we develop robust and ethical algorithms to ensure accuracy and fairness. I foresee that this area will grow immensely over the next decade.
Right now, I am working on a project that, I think, will be most representative of my professional life. It’s a book on America’s position in the changing global world order. I finally have the time to dedicate to this project. I am writing for the next generation, and I would hope that they are able to understand the complex series of global events over the last century that have brought us to this particular point in time. I would also hope that they will see themselves as continuing the legacy of those who have shaped the democratic world, taking responsibility for navigating the challenges of their time. My aim is to inspire them to engage critically with history, to see the patterns and consequences of past decisions, and to understand America’s role in shaping the future world order.
Life is short, so I recommend doing something that you are passionate about—there is really no formula – what worked for my generation isn’t going to work for the next generation because times have changed. I do recommend reading as much as possible. If you can read one book a week, or if that is too much, one book a month, I guarantee you will have broadened your perspective. I also recommend that if you are really stuck, try looking at the biographies and CVs of the people you admire (also keeping in mind that times have changed) – but you can discern things like how long they spent doing each job, how they moved around, and which graduate schools they attended. No one’s career is going to be exactly the same, but if you work hard and do something you love, you will be on a good trajectory.
Question 10). Lastly, can you share with us five keywords that represent you?
Christian, Wife, Mother, American, Thinker