Field:
    International Relations

Dissertation Title:
    Avenues of Influence: a study of special interest group behavior in the intelligence policy making process

Committee:
    Joel Aberbach (chair), Matthew Baum, Mark Sawyer, Jessica Wang

Date of Completion:

Contact Information:
    Lisa Saum
    UCLA Political Science Department
    4289 Bunche Hall
    Los Angeles, California 90095-1472
    Phone: 310-825-4331
    Fax: 310-825-0778

Curriculum Vitae:
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Dissertation Summary:
    I chart the complex relationships that have evolved around the intelligence policy-making process. I identify a number of vested stakeholders not previously considered in the IR literature, and analyze their participation (or lack thereof) in the presidential advisory commissions established to advise policy-makers on intelligence community-related issues. I introduce the "interest alliance" and the "advocate stakeholder", concepts that make it possible to examine the informal, temporary, ad hoc unions formed by private sector contractors, military official, senior intelligence agency employees, and members of congress, in order to navigate the intelligence advisory commission process for personal and professional gain.

Research Interests:
    Intelligence Community reform, deterrence theory and the utility of U.S. nuclear deterrence policy toward terrorists and rogue states, international mediation and conflict resolution, and U.S. foreign policy toward narcotrafficking in Columbia.

Teaching Interests: