Arthur S. Hulnick

Biography

"Arthur S. Hulnick is an Associate Professor Emeritus of International Relations at Boston University. Hulnick established the study of intelligence at Boston University, first in the Department of International Relations and then in the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies. Professor Hulnick came to Boston University in 1989 as a Central Intelligence Agency Officer in Residence, the first person ever so assigned. A graduate of Princeton University, Art Hulnick had served as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force, where one of his first jobs was interviewing North Korean defectors. After completing his military service at the rank of captain, he embarking on a 28 year career at the CIA. In recognition of his service, he received the CIA’s Career Intelligence Medal. Among his noteworthy assignments were serving on the President’s Daily Brief, the ultimate American government intelligence product, and as the Director of the CIA’s watch officer. During his assignment at Boston University Art Hulnick’s impact in the class room and his interaction with colleagues proved to be such a hit that, in 1992, he agreed to join the faculty of International Relations at Boston University rather than return to a senior position at CIA headquarters. For the better part of a quarter of a century, Arthur Hulnick served in his new career with the same distinction he had served in his earlier one. Now, instead of briefing the President to the United States, he briefed rooms of enthralled students with his insights and explanations of the complexities of the multi-faceted world of intelligence. He was not only valued as a teacher but also as a student adviser, and his exemplary service was recognized the award of the College of Arts & Sciences Award for Excellence in Student Advising. His contributions to the university also included as the IR Department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies. Over the past two and a half decades, the field of intelligence studies in the United States and the world has exploded due to recognition of the importance of intelligence as a component of government policies and actions. Through his publications, including his books Fixing the Spy Machine and Keeping Us Safe: Secret Intelligence and Homeland Security, innumerable articles, and, above all teaching a generation of students at Boston University, Arthur Hulnick contributed substantially to the new field of Intelligence Studies. In 2011, he was honored for his academic work by the Intelligence Studies Section of the International Studies Association with its distinguished Scholar Award. Professor Hulnick cared deeply about intelligence ethics. He was a passionate opponent of torture and “enhanced interrogation techniques.” He also emphasized to students that the baseline of ethics in intelligence is presenting the truth to the policymaker, as best as we can know the truth based on facts. Through his own example and through his teaching, he impressed on a generation of students the importance of embodying professional ethics throughout their careers."

Research Interest

Strategic and Business Intelligence.