As both a bureau in the Department of State and a member of the Intelligence Community, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) is the only U.S. intelligence organization whose primary responsibility is to provide intelligence to inform diplomacy and support U.S. diplomats. At INR, we are on a mission to deliver and coordinate timely, objective intelligence that advances U.S. diplomacy. ​

While INR’s principal customer is the Secretary of State and U.S. diplomats around the globe, INR also provides intelligence assessments and other information for the President, the National Security Council, and other senior policymakers. Each week INR delivers dozens of intelligence assessments, products, and briefings to diplomats and policymakers at home and abroad. As the U.S. government’s leader in foreign public opinion research and polling, we conduct hundreds of surveys annually in more than 100 countries to inform U.S. foreign policy. INR also serves as the IC lead in analytic outreach, working with non-governmental experts to collaborate on research projects and leverage outside expertise to inform Executive Branch policymakers and the IC. From analyzing foreign election results and monitoring and reporting on war and conflict around the world to cyber, emerging technologies and evaluating the impact of climate change on foreign policy, INR delivers intelligence to empower diplomacy.

Our History

A black circle with the yellow spade-shaped Office of Strategic Services insignia with a yellow edge.

Secretary of State George Marshall established INR in 1945 as a direct descendant of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Research and Analysis Branch, making INR the oldest civilian intelligence element in the U.S. Government. Throughout the years, INR has carried on the OSS legacy of deep expertise, independence, and speaking truth to power.

Our Values

Independence – We will provide unbiased, objective intelligence. Integrity – We will uphold the highest ethical standards in our conduct and ensure our actions reflect positively on the Department and Intelligence Community. Teamwork – We will work as one team, united in pursuit of a common goal. Expertise – We will provide expert-informed, value-added insights. Agility – We will continually learn and adapt quickly to meet evolving threats and challenges. Innovation – We will embed creativity and innovation into how we work. Inclusivity – We will foster an open, accepting, and inclusive environment for all.

Our Core Products and Services

Intelligence Empowering Diplomacy 01 – Intelligence Policy Support and Coordination – Coordinates with the Intelligence Community to ensure intelligence activities support and are informed by foreign policy 02 – Intelligence Analysis and Production – One of only three IC agencies that provide all-source analysis and production. 03 – Analytic Exchanges – Hosts exchanges between policy makers, the IC, experts from academia, think tanks, and the private sector on national security priorities 04 – Global Opinion Research – U.S. government lead for foreign public opinion polling and research 05 – Geographer and Global Issues – USG authority for International boundaries and cartographic representation 06 – Secure Network and IT Operations for Department – Manage, operate, and safeguard Department’s TS/SCI network 07 – Operate the 24/7 INR Watch – 24/7 intelligence support for the Secretary of State and other State Leaders

For more information about each INR office, view our INR Office Overview and Fact Sheet

All are Welcome in INR – Join Us​!

Intelligence requires diversity. To avoid groupthink, challenge conventional wisdom, and minimize the risk of strategic surprise, INR requires team members with different backgrounds, points of view, and experiences. Diversity of thought and experience helps avoid confirmation bias and leads to better judgments.  Recruiting and hiring intelligence professionals of all racial and ethnic origins, linguistic backgrounds, national origins, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and professional experience is therefore critical to INR’s ability to achieve our mission. Everyone is welcome in INR.​

  • INR relies on the contributions of Foreign Service Officers, Civil Servants, detailees from other government agencies, and contractors working together to provide our nation’s leaders with clear, unbiased, and independent analysis and operational support.​
  • INR has unique opportunities for professional growth through IC-focused training programs and rotations to other government agencies. In addition, INR’s employee-led Leadership Development Council offers networking and professional event opportunities for employees. Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Council focuses on short-term goals to increase awareness of and support for diverse points of view while looking at the composition of the workforce longer term.​
  • We know that our team has a life outside of the bureau, and INR continues to rank highly for work-life balance, innovation, and job satisfaction as a federal government and IC agency. Many INR colleagues have spent their careers in INR because of truly interesting and meaningful work, coupled with flexible and sustainable working arrangements.

A global map color-coded by the area of responsibility for the relevant INR office

U.S. Department of State

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