'''Stratfor''' ('''Strategic Forecasting Inc.''') is an American private intelligence and analysis company. ''[[Barron's]]'' magazine called the company a "shadow [[CIA]]".<ref>Jonathan R. Laing [http://online.barrons.com/article/SB1002927557434087960.html «The Shadow CIA»] </ref> As a private intelligence firm calling itself "investment advisors" or "risk assessment", Stratfor is not subject to Congressional oversight nor the [[Freedom of Information Act]] (FOIA). It was founded in 1996 by American political scientist George Friedman,<ref>At the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Friedman gave a presentation on his new book: ''Flashpoints. The Emerging Crisis in Europe''. [G. Friedman: Press conference at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.] February 4, 2015. [[YouTube]].<br> | '''Stratfor''' ('''Strategic Forecasting Inc.''') is an American private intelligence and analysis company. ''[[Barron's]]'' magazine called the company a "shadow [[CIA]]".<ref>Jonathan R. Laing [http://online.barrons.com/article/SB1002927557434087960.html «The Shadow CIA»] </ref> As a private intelligence firm calling itself "investment advisors" or "risk assessment", Stratfor is not subject to Congressional oversight nor the [[Freedom of Information Act]] (FOIA). It was founded in 1996 by American political scientist George Friedman,<ref>At the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Friedman gave a presentation on his new book: ''Flashpoints. The Emerging Crisis in Europe''. [G. Friedman: Press conference at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.] February 4, 2015. [[YouTube]].<br> |