<style type="text/css"> .no-show { display: none; } .disable-fade-in{ opacity: 1 !important; transform: none !important; visibility: visible !important; } </style>
Studies in Intelligence 69, No. 1 (Extracts, March 2025)

Decision Advantage: Intelligence Support for Presidential Visits: Historical Lessons from Africa Diplomacy

Judd Devermont

Judd Devermont is an operating partner at Kupanda Capital, a pan-African investment platform. He previously served as the senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council, national intelligence offcer for Africa, and senior CIA analyst for Africa.

Introduction

When US presidents welcome foreign leaders to Washington, they are inundated with paper. From talking points and draft statements to seating arrangements and dinner menus, the White House staff will prepare all of it, except for one essential document: the CIA leadership visit piece. It is this analysis—presented as a standalone assessment or integrated into the President’s Daily Briefing (PDB)—that delivers decision advantage for the president of the United States.

Download PDF to read entire article (11 pages)