Archbishop's Network of Clerics
Description
Bob Slattery identifies the Archbishop's network of clerics as the most reliable intelligence source outside Bitanga, surpassing sparse U.S. efforts in a small Catholic embassy lacking CIA presence. Clerics gather and relay critical data on the Khundu crisis, including potential thousands of civilian deaths, enabling Bartlet's Oval Office directive for a forced-depletion casualty estimate ahead of peacekeeping decisions.
Event Involvements
Events with structured involvement data
S4E14
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Inauguration Part I
Ordering the Forced-Depletion Estimate for Khundu
The Archbishop's Network of Clerics is the specific on-the-ground intelligence source Slattery cites; their reports supply the casualty estimates and qualitative evidence that prompt the White House to act.
Active Representation
Manifested through Slattery's briefing and the casualty estimate he verbalizes.
Power Dynamics
Holds informational leverage over U.S. policy despite lacking formal authority; operates as an indispensable but informal partner.
Institutional Impact
Highlights reliance on non-state actors for actionable intelligence and pressures governments to respond despite formal intelligence gaps.
Internal Dynamics
Field-driven reporting structure; ethical imperative supersedes bureaucratic formality.
Organizational Goals
Relay accurate information about civilian harm to international decision-makers.
Mobilize attention and potential protection for affected civilians.
Influence Mechanisms
Local networks and clerical presence in remote areas
Reputational credibility as eyewitness sources