Alle afleveringen
165 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Inside the President's Daily Brief
1 januari 2025 · 42 min
Michael revisits his conversation with Andy about their unique experiences as CIA briefers for President George W. Bush. They share behind-the-scenes stories of preparing the President's Daily Brief, navigating high-stakes national security discussions, and managing the delicate balance of delivering tough truths. Lees meer
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Umasking the CIA: Jonna Mendez
25 december 2024 · 47 min
Michael revisits his interview with former CIA officer Jonna Mendez about her memoir, In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked. Jonna reflects on her unconventional path into the CIA, her groundbreaking work in disguise and clandestine photography, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. She also discusses her work evaluating tampered packages and recounts the unique moment she demonstrated a disguise mask to President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office. Lees meer
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The Trump-China Dilemma: Chris Johnson
18 december 2024 · 40 min
Michael talks with Chris Johnson, head of China Strategies Group, about Beijing's vulnerabilities and its uneasy anticipation of Donald Trump's return to the White House. They explore the high-stakes rivalry between the U.S. and China, including economic tensions, Xi Jinping's grip on power, and the geopolitical flashpoints that could redefine the global order. Lees meer
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Inside a Dangerous Alliance: Sara Harmouch
11 december 2024 · 42 min
Michael speaks with terrorism expert and H9 Defense Founder and CEO Sara Harmouch who explores the surprising alliance between Iran and Al Qaeda, tracing their decades-long relationship and warning about the growing security threats posed by their current cooperation. Lees meer
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The Antarctic 'Chessboard': Bill Muntean
4 december 2024 · 37 min
Andy speaks with former State Department senior advisor Bill Muntean about how the vast, frozen continent of Antarctica has become an unexpected theater in great power competition. Bill discusses the delicate balance maintained by the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and how surprise inspections - which he personally leads - help verify Russian and Chinese compliance. As climate change and resource scarcity reshape geopolitics, they explore whether Antarctica's longstanding peace can endure amid rising tensions between global powers. Lees meer
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National Security's AI Wunderkind: Alex Wang
27 november 2024 · 41 min
Andy talks with Alex Wang, the founder and CEO of Scale AI, to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its implications for national security. Forbes says Alex, at age 25, is the world's youngest self-made billionaire. He describes the three foundational pillars of AI—data, compute, and algorithms—and how advancements in each have driven recent progress. Alex discusses how AI advancement could enable adversaries to pose new threats to US national security, and the guardrails the technology may need. Lees meer
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Inside the Digital Battlefield: Dmitri Alperovitch
20 november 2024 · 44 min
Andy talks with Dmitri Alperovitch, one of the brilliant minds behind CrowdStrike and a leading voice in cybersecurity. He's also author of the new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. In this episode, Dmitri explores the digital threats reshaping national security - from sophisticated state-sponsored hacks to the U.S.-China tech rivalry. Dmitri shares candid insights on America's cyber readiness, why Taiwan matters more than ever, and how AI is transforming the battlefield. Lees meer
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'Chip War': Chris Miller
13 november 2024 · 40 min
Andy revisits his conversation with Tufts University economic historian Chris Miller, author of the bestselling book Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology. Chris discusses the high-stakes race for global dominance in semiconductor development and manufacturing. He reveals the fragile and complex nature of the semiconductor supply chain, highlighting the geopolitical vulnerabilities involved in their production and explaining why they are essential to U.S. national security. Lees meer
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'The Axis of Upheaval': Beth Sanner
6 november 2024 · 57 min
Michael and Andy speak with Beth Sanner, former CIA analyst and Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, about the national security challenges facing the next U.S. president. They explore the complex relationships between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, rising tensions in the South China Sea, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They also examine how these geopolitical dynamics impact global stability and discuss the fine line between geopolitical and cyber threats. Lees meer
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Securing Critical Mineral Supplies: Christine Michienzi
30 oktober 2024 · 49 min
Andy talks with Dr. Christine Michienzi, who served as the Senior Technology Advisor for the Pentagon's Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment and as the Chief Technology Officer for the Industrial Base Policy office. Dr. Michienzi explains the national security vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains for essential minerals and materials used in key defense hardware like electronics, satellites, weapons systems and ammunition. She discusses China's dominance in these critical supply chains and shares strategies to bolster domestic production and strengthen international partnerships. Lees meer
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Lessons from a Career in Intelligence: Christy Abizaid
23 oktober 2024 · 47 min
Michael talks with former National Counterterrorism Center Director Christy Abizaid, who shares her extensive experiences in the intelligence community. She discusses the evolution of her career from intelligence analyst to policymaker and leader in counterterrorism, emphasizing the importance of integrity, objectivity, and the need for intelligence officials to accurately inform policy. Abizaid also highlights the challenges of navigating crises, the significance of being present in decision-making rooms, and the lessons learned from her unique perspective on both sides of the intelligence and policy divide. Lees meer
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MasterClass: The Art of Intelligence
16 oktober 2024 · 42 min
Michael talks with former CIA Deputy Chief of Staff Nick Shapiro, former Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology Dawn Meyerriecks, and former Director of the agency's elite Special Activities Center Brian Carbaugh about their new class on MasterClass: The Art of Intelligence. Nick helped organize the class on MasterClass with Michael, Dawn, and Brian who were given authorization to share their real-life experiences and the lessons they learned about leadership, critical thinking, and risk management. The class on MasterClass is humorous, engaging, and enlightening. And in this episode of Intelligence Matters, the four discuss their experiences arranging and taking part in the class on MasterClass. Lees meer
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Biosecurity: Matt McKnight
9 oktober 2024 · 47 min
Andy talks with Matt McKnight, General Manager for Biosecurity at Ginkgo Bioworks, about the new frontier of global threats posed by weaponized cell engineering. Matt discusses the need for a comprehensive global monitoring and early detection system, enhanced international cooperation, and a unified defense approach to mitigate the potentially catastrophic impacts of biological events, whether accidental or malicious. Lees meer
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Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Eyal Hulata
2 oktober 2024 · 46 min
Michael speaks with former Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata, now a senior international fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about recent military strikes against Hezbollah, the strategic implications for Iran, and the need for a comprehensive agreement to secure long-term stability in Lebanon. Eyal also warns of the risk of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons and highlights the importance of international support for the Iranian people. Their conversation took place just before Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, and Tuesday's Iranian missile barrage. Lees meer
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Punishing Putin: Stephanie Baker
25 september 2024 · 38 min
Michael talks with Bloomberg senior writer Stephanie Baker about her new book, Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia, which examines the unprecedented economic statecraft waged by the U.S. and its European allies in response to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The book evaluates the effectiveness of sanctions, how Russia is enduring them, and what may happen next. Lees meer
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Michael & Andy: World Roundup
18 september 2024 · 47 min
Michael and Andy discuss their recent travels and the bleak prospects for resolving conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Taiwan's preparedness for a potential Chinese attack, and the unfolding crisis in Venezuela. Michael also shares his son's podcast, "3rd & 33", which focuses on college football. Lees meer
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Decoding the Minds of World Leaders: Jennifer Welch
11 september 2024 · 39 min
Michael explores the world of leadership analysis with former CIA analyst Jennifer Welch. Now the Chief Geoeconomics Analyst for Bloomberg Economics, Jennifer discusses the art and science of crafting detailed profiles of world leaders—from understanding their personal histories to deciphering their strategic mindsets. She reveals how leadership analysis illuminates the human element in global affairs and can make or break diplomatic negotiations. Lees meer
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Israel's Intelligence Failures: Uri Bar-Jospeh
4 september 2024 · 41 min
Michael talks with Israeli intelligence expert Uri Bar-Joseph, who dissects the stunning failure of Israeli intelligence ahead of the October 7th Hamas attack—a "perfect failure" that shook the foundations of Israel's vaunted security apparatus. Tracing the roots of this debacle back decades, Bar-Joseph discusses the fatal flaw in Israel's national security strategy: prioritizing military might over diplomatic engagement. It's part of Uri's new book in Hebrew, 'Beyond the Iron Wall.' Lees meer
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A Window on Russia: Rolf Mowatt-Larssen
28 augustus 2024 · 39 min
Michael reintroduces this episode featuring his conversation with former CIA officer Rolf Mowatt-Larssen, who shares unique anecdotes that reveal the Russian mindset, from a puppet show to a symbolic Bolshoi performance. His firsthand experiences in the country explore how history, culture, and psychology shape Russia's worldview—and foreshadow its actions in geopolitics today. Lees meer
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Dismantling the Khan Nuclear Network: Jim Lawler
21 augustus 2024 · 39 min
Michael reintroduces this episode featuring Andy's conversation with former CIA operative Jim Lawler, who reveals how he and his team unraveled the world's most extensive nuclear proliferation network, led by the 'father of the Islamic bomb,' A.Q. Khan. Lees meer
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Keeping AI in Check: Mary Ellen Callahan
14 augustus 2024 · 39 min
Andy speaks with Mary Ellen Callahan, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office. They discuss a recent DHS report on reducing the risks of AI accelerating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Mary Ellen explains the government's efforts to build consensus among agencies, engage with the private sector, and develop safety standards to combat these emerging AI-driven threats. Lees meer
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Venezuela's Presidential Election: Pedro Burelli
7 augustus 2024 · 47 min
Michael speaks with Latin America and Venezuela expert Pedro Borelli, the Founder and Managing Director of B&V Holdings, a financial advisory firm. Pedro discusses the disputed results of Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, in which President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory despite opposition tallies indicating that their candidate, Edmundo González, won. Pedro provides historical context on Venezuela's transition from a stable democracy to a "mafia state" under the Chávez and Maduro regimes. He also offers his insight into why stability and security in Venezuela matter to U.S. interests and the world. Lees meer
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How China Views a Possible Harris Administration & Unpacking July's CCP Meeting: Chris Johnson
31 juli 2024 · 42 min
Michael talks with former CIA senior China analyst Chris Johnson, who breaks down the recent Chinese Communist Party's so-called third plenum, revealing President Xi Jinping's focus on state-led tech advances over market reforms. Chris, a CSIS Senior Fellow, shares his views on China's leading issues amidst a slowing economy. He also offers insights into Beijing's views on the chaotic U.S. political scene and how a possible President Kamala Harris could engage China. Lees meer
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Update on Ukraine War: Andrea Kendall-Taylor
24 juli 2024 · 43 min
Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Global Strategies, Michael Allen, sits in for Michael Morell and Andy Makridis this week and checks in with the Center for a New American Security's Andrea Kendall-Taylor about the current state of Russia's war on Ukraine and how a possible President Kamala Harris could spearhead U.S. support for Ukraine. Andrea, a former CIA senior analyst and now Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Security Program at CNAS, discusses the current status of NATO support for Ukrainian membership and what the future could hold for the war. Lees meer
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China's 'Princeling' & the CCP: Chun Han Wong
17 juli 2024 · 51 min
Andy talks with Wall Street Journal Reporter Chun Han Wong, who covers Chinese politics. He has written extensively about the country's human rights record, its Communist Party, and President Xi Jinping. Chun discusses the current issues facing China and its relations with the US, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He also offers analysis on China's political system and Xi's efforts to centralize power, along with the threats China poses to Taiwan. Lees meer
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North Korea: Sydney Seiler
11 juli 2024 · 42 min
Michael speaks with Sydney Seiler, one of the country's top experts on North Korea and Korea Chair at CSIS. Sydney served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Six Party Talks, where he led negotiations with North Korea. He also held key positions at the National Intelligence Council, ODNI, CIA, and NSA. Sydney discusses North Korea's recent treaty with Russia and its growing provocations on the Korean Peninsula. Lees meer
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Signals Intelligence & Cybersecurity: George Barnes
3 juli 2024 · 44 min
Andy talks with the former Deputy Director of the National Security Agency George Barnes about the NSA's missions focused on signals intelligence and cybersecurity, as it also adapts to emerging strategic challenges like competition from China and Russia. George also shares his take on quantum computing and AI, and discusses how the NSA tries to recruit and retain some of the world's most skilled workers. Lees meer
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'Chilling' Pre-911 video & the threat lanscape: Michael & Andy
26 juni 2024 · 35 min
Andy talks with Michael about his June Foreign Affairs article, "The Terrorism Warning Lights Are Blinking Red Again: Echoes of the Run-Up to 9/11," co-written with Graham Allison. Michael discusses the pre-9/11 threat and national security parallels with today's environment. He also shares his assessment of a newly unsealed 1999 video from Saudi intelligence officer Omar al-Bayoumi, which Michael says appears to be 'casing' footage of the US Capitol. Additionally, Michael talks with Andy about the security vulnerabilities at the US-Mexico border. Lees meer
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Briefing the President: Michael & Andy
19 juni 2024 · 42 min
Michael and Andy discuss their roles as daily intelligence briefers for former President George W. Bush. They share their experiences inside the Oval Office, the unique challenges of the job, and how they dealt with constant pressure and performance expectations. Lees meer
Note: This episode contains an expletive.
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Chip Security: Chris Miller
12 juni 2024 · 41 min
Andy talks with Chris Miller, author of "Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology" and Associate Professor of International History at Tufts University, about semiconductor chips. Chris discusses the global supply chain of critical chip manufacturers, why the U.S. must focus on advancing semiconductor innovation, and the competition with adversaries like China in chip development. He also explains why Taiwan is a world leader in chip manufacturing and how crucial the sector is for Taiwan's political and economic security. Lees meer
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National Security Venture Capitalism: Steve Bowsher
5 juni 2024 · 45 min
Andy talks with Steve Bowsher, Chief Executive Officer at In-Q-Tel, an intelligence and national security community venture capital non-profit. IQT says it is a strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to US government agencies. Steve discusses investing in startups, recognizing success, and doing business with the federal government, as well as with other countries, including Australia and the UK. Steve also discusses AI, biosecurity, and innovation. Lees meer
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National Security in Space: Ret. General John W. 'Jay' Raymond
29 mei 2024 · 45 min
Andy talks with retired General John W. 'Jay' Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force. Gen. Raymond discusses leading space operations and commands, and the growing threats posed by China and Russia's counterspace weapons. Gen. Raymond also focuses on collaborating with commercial companies and partners to maintain space superiority, and how the Space Force has evolved into what it is today. Lees meer
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National Security Entrepreneurship: Arun Gupta
22 mei 2024 · 44 min
Andy talks with Arun Gupta, a venture capitalism lecturer at Stanford University and an adjunct entrepreneurship professor at Georgetown. Arun is also the CEO of the NobleReach Foundation, which focuses on catalyzing and inspiring a renewed spirit of national service through innovation. He is the author of "Venture Meets Mission: Aligning People, Purpose, and Profit to Innovate and Transform Society." In their discussion, Arun shares insights from his experience and book on how to better partner entrepreneurs and the government to solve large problems through a renewed focus on outcomes-based collaboration, and to inspire young people to consider public service careers. Gupta advocates leveraging the optimism of entrepreneurs and the scale of government to address issues like national security, health tech, and climate change. Lees meer
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Pakistan: Asfandyar Mir
15 mei 2024 · 43 min
Michael talks with Asfandyar Mir, a South Asia senior expert at the United States Institute of Peace, about Pakistan. The two discuss the U.S. national security interest in Pakistan, relations between the two countries, the influence of China on Pakistan, and the Pakistani Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Lees meer
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Israel-Gaza War & US Threats: Beth Sanner
8 mei 2024 · 41 min
Michael talks with Beth Sanner, a career CIA analyst who concluded her tenure with the federal government as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration at the ODNI from April 2019 to March 2021. She discusses the risks and potential next steps in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Iran and the Middle East, Russia's war on Ukraine, and how she rose through the CIA's ranks to become a world-class analyst specializing in South Asia. Lees meer
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Catching the 'Queen of Cuba' Spy: Peter Lapp
1 mei 2024 · 45 min
Michael talks with retired FBI Special Agent Peter Lapp about his new book, "Queen of Cuba: An FBI Agent's Insider Account of the Spy Who Evaded Detection for 17 Years." Peter unveils the remarkable case of Ana Montes, the Defense Intelligence Agency senior analyst who was arrested 10 days after 9/11 for spying for Cuba. Together, Michael and Peter delve into Montes's audacious activities for communist Cuba, the unraveling of her espionage work, her prosecution and current whereabouts. Lees meer
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Cyber Intelligence: Andrew Boyd
24 april 2024 · 38 min
Andy speaks with former CIA Center for Cyber Intelligence Director Andrew Boyd about protecting systems from the most sophisticated cyber terrorism and hacking attempts. Andrew outlines the current cyber threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and non-state actors like ransomware groups. Andy and Andrew also discuss the US cybersecurity strategy, partnerships between the government and the private sector, and challenges around emerging technologies like AI. Lees meer
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ISIS-K: Former CIA Executive Dave Pitts
17 april 2024 · 43 min
Michael talks to Former Assistant Director of CIA for South and Central Asia Dave Pitts about the threat of ISIS-K. Before retiring in October, Pitts was among the last American officials on the ground during the US withdrawal from Afghstanistan in August 2021. He discusses the growing threat of ISIS-K, which has been operating in the country, and around the region. Michael and Dave also reflect on the state of Al-Qaeda. Lees meer
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Worldwide Threats: Michael & Andy
10 april 2024 · 37 min
Michael and Andy discuss the 2024 worldwide threat report from the Intelligence Community. They discuss frontier issues including space and ISIS-K, and longtime US adversaries including Iran and China. They offer their candid reactions to the unclassified publicly released annual assessment, and what it means for the future of global security. Lees meer
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Somalia & Ukraine: Army Ranger veteran James Lechner
3 april 2024 · 42 min
Michael talks with Army Ranger veteran LTC (Ret.) James Lechner about his book "With My Shield: An Army Ranger in Somalia" about his experience on the ground in Mogadishu in 1993 during the Black Hawk Down raid. They also discuss his recent experience in Ukraine. Lees meer
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National Security Law: Judge James Baker
27 maart 2024 · 46 min
Andy talks about national security law with former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces James Baker. He's currently the Director of the Institute of Security Policy and Law at Syracuse University. He has authored several books, including "The Centaur's Dilemma: National Security Law for the Coming AI Revolution". Lees meer
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Iran: John Sotos
20 maart 2024 · 51 min
Michael speaks with former CIA analyst John Sotos, who's an expert on Iran. He's now Chief of Analysis at PersuMedia. They discuss Iran's goals in the Mideast, its relations with the US, domestic support for the Iranian regime and the modern-day challenges Iran faces since the Iranian Revolution. Lees meer
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Gender & Disguise at the CIA: Jonna Mendez
13 maart 2024 · 46 min
Michael talks with Jonna Mendez, who authored the new memoir: "In True Face: A Woman's Life in the CIA, Unmasked". Jonna served nearly 30 years undercover with the CIA, retiring as its Chief of Disguise. She discusses working as a woman at the intelligence agency dominated by men, and her career that took her around the world and into the Oval Office. Lees meer
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Tech at the CIA: Nand Mulchandani
6 maart 2024 · 39 min
Andy talks with the CIA's first-ever Chief Technology Officer, Nand Mulchandani, who was named to the job by Director William Burns in April 2022. With Nand's roots in Silicon Valley, Andy discusses what he brings to the job and new opportunities for growth and investment. Lees meer
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'Live' at Yale
28 februari 2024 · 49 min
Michael and Andy speak to International Security Studies students and community members at Yale, in New Haven, Connecticut, for a special episode. Moderated by the Jackson School of Global Affairs's Ted Wittenstein, they discuss the challenges facing US intelligence agencies today including China, Russia, and the Israel-Gaza war. They also talk about what it takes to be a superior intelligence officer and analyst, and how to make national security decisions in the 21st century. Lees meer
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The Art of Strategy: Hal Brands
21 februari 2024 · 37 min
Michael talks with Hal Brands, who edited the new book "The New Makers of Modern Strategy: From the Ancient World to the Digital Age." It focuses on how the theory and practice of war and statecraft have been shaped throughout the centuries. Hal is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global Affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Lees meer
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'Live' at Texas A&M Bush School in Washington
14 februari 2024 · 44 min
Michael and Andy visit the Washington, D.C., campus of the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service where they record a 'live' episode of the podcast with students and others. They discuss current national security threats, how the government handles classified documents, careers in the intelligence community, and artificial intelligence. Lees meer
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The 'Russian Mindset': Rolf Mowatt-Larssen
7 februari 2024 · 39 min
Michael talks about the 'Russian mindset' with former CIA Moscow chief Rolf Mowatt-Larssen. He explains how his experience in the former Soviet Union could offer a glimpse into how Russia views its war on Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats, and the adversity Russians have faced over the decades. Lees meer
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American Dynamism & Tech Innovation: Marc Andreessen
31 januari 2024 · 47 min
Andy talks with Silicon Valley venture capitalist and software engineer Marc Andreessen about how the American tech sector can innovate for the national interest and how new technologies like AI can improve warfare and defense. Lees meer
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Chinese Cognitive Warfare: Josh Baughman
24 januari 2024 · 44 min
Andy talks about the complexities and goals of China's cognitive warfare program with Josh Baughman, an analyst at the China Aerospace Studies Institute at Air University.