Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research collect information about foreign countries?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

George W. Bush and Porter J. Goss at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. — intelligence U.S. Pres. George W. Bush (front) and Porter J. Goss, director (2004–06) of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), heading to a press conference at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, March 3, 2005.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) collects, analyzes, and disseminates significant quantities of political, economic, and cultural information regarding countries where the United States maintains accredited representation.1

The bureau functions with a relatively small staff composed primarily of area specialists. Its operations serve a dual purpose: meeting the specific intelligence requirements of the State Department and fulfilling the broader needs of the U.S. intelligence community as established by the National Security Council.1