It contains both classified and unclassified articles on the methodology and history of the field of intelligence gathering.

[1][2][3] The journal was established by Sherman Kent in 1955.

According to Kent, intelligence "has developed a recognized methodology; it has developed a vocabulary; it has developed a body of theory and doctrine; it has elaborate and refined techniques.

The most important service that such a literature performs is the permanent recording of our new ideas and experiences.

"[1] Copies of unclassified and declassified articles from Studies in Intelligence are held at the National Archives' College Park, Maryland location as part of the Records of the Central Intelligence Agency (Record Group 263).