Answer to Question #228532 in History for Sasa

Question

Use your own example or case study to discuss the limitations of world history. Consider the historical narratives chosen, sources used or ignored, and regions and perspectives emphasised or overlooked

Answer 1

History as a discipline is not only useful in the academic arena but also to the field of intelligence. The study of history helps one discern what the story is, instead of what the problem is; it helps to determine the who, what, when, where, how and the why of a narrative.[2] By studying history, intelligence agencies can learn from past mistakes and aim to improve their performance. But at the same time, these lessons gathered from intelligence successes or failures do have restrictions. This paper argues on three epistemological limitations to the use of history as a learning tool. First, history can be interpreted in different ways; second, history can be misunderstood, and third, history will always have gaps. It is an incomplete story. Despite these limitations, however, the study of history is a useful tool for intelligence historians. History can clarify events, and offer guidance and guidelines for decisions to intelligence practitioners; it serves as a way to uncover past intelligence practices and expands intelligence history as an academic discipline.

History is of limited use due the variability of perceptions and the bias of the interpreter. Personal interpretations of history can be taken out of context. On the one hand, the study of history can be used as a way to measure an organization’s strengths and weaknesses in a way that makes room for future progress.