History shows that without planning for post-war reconstruction, apparent victory in war can lead to long-term defeat. On the other hand, wise post-war planning can lead to friendly, peaceful, and profitable relations between victor and vanquished. For political, socio-economic and security-related planning, intelligence plays a crucial role in estimating capabilities, securing infrastructure, locating persons of interest, and rebuilding.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan) after the Second World War, the editors are particularly interested in papers dealing with intelligence concerning post-war reconstruction initiatives and planning connected to historical and recent conflicts. Both case studies and theoretical and methodological approaches are welcome. The studies may include, but do not have to be focused on, the following questions and issues:
- The role of diplomatic and military intelligence during the conflict as preparation for post-war reconstruction, from the conceptual to the practical.
- What intelligence needs to be collected to secure and boost reconstruction?
- What contacts, networks, and infrastructure are necessary for intelligence to be effective?
- Who has been or should be approached and/or recruited for reconstruction efforts based on intelligence?
- When has intelligent post-war planning (or its opposite) been historically evident?
- How should intelligence interact with formerly warring parties and international organizations to empower practical reconstruction efforts?
- What intelligence collection challenges have services encountered in working for post-war peace?
- How did intelligence factor in the European Recovery Program?
- What was George C. Marshall’s position on the role of intelligence in general or concrete examples related to “his” plan?
