UNCOVER THE TRUTH: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AND HUMAN INTELLIGENCE INTERROGATION

Апстракт

Humans are pivotal intelligence sources, making interrogations and interviews
central to human intelligence (HUMINT) collections. Throughout history, intelligence operatives have often resorted to harsh interrogation methods—utilising physical coercion or
psychological manipulations—to break down the resistance of the subject, gain cooperation,
and obtain crucial strategic information vital to national security. These methods, which are
typically based on observational learning and peer experiences, emphasise immediate outcomes over intelligence accuracy. Nevertheless, as contemporary security challenges grow
increasingly intricate, the need for accurate and operationally useful information calls for a
fundamental shift towards more efficient and ethical human intelligence (HUMINT) strategies.
In this paper, we examine intelligence interrogation through the lens of the Principles on
Effective Interviewing for Investigations and Information Gathering (the ‘Méndez Principles’)
and highlight the role of these principles in the transition from the coercive to non-coercive,
evidence-based approach to HUMINT interrogation. Accordingly, we investigated the possible
effects of this transition on improving the effectiveness and ethical standards of HUMINT
operations. Finally, we identify key challenges for future research and propose directions to
address gaps in current knowledge, advancing the science of ethical intelligence gathering. 

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