SpyCast

Now that President Trump has been inaugurated, what can we expect for the intelligence community? On his first full day in his first term, he visited the CIA to voice support. But he has also displayed deep skepticism and accused spy agencies of undermining him. Beth Sanner is a highly decorated, retired career intelligence officer who briefed Trump with the President’s Daily Brief, a highly classified summary of the US most critical national security threats. She shares her thoughts on what lies ahead.

If you liked this episode, check out:

• The President's Book of Secrets - Understanding the President’s Daily Brief (PDB) with David Priess
• Hot Topics: Intelligence Challenges in an Election Year

Subscribe to Sasha's Substack, HUMINT, to get more intelligence stories:

https://sashaingber.substack.com/

And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic,  you can reach us by E-mail at SpyCast@Spymuseum.org, 

This show is brought to you from Goat Rodeo, Airwave, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

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Former intelligence officer Bryan Stern describes the tradecraft he used on Russian intelligence and military services to rescue an American imprisoned in Russian-occupied Ukraine.

If you liked this episode check out these links to more hostage rescue stories:

• SpyCast - James Foley: Journalist, ISIS Hostage, Son – with His Mother Diane Foley
• Operación Jaque - The Daring Rescue Mission That Freed 15 Hostages
• Spy Chat with Chris Costa | Guest: Ambassador Roger D. Carstens

Subscribe to Sasha's Substack, HUMINT, to get more intelligence stories:

https://sashaingber.substack.com/

To learn more about Bryan’s work with Grey Bull you can visit greybullrescue.org. 

And if you have feedback or want to hear about a particular topic,  you can reach us by E-mail at SpyCast@Spymuseum.org.

This show is brought to you from Goat Rodeo, Airwave, and the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

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Introducing the new host of SpyCast, Sasha Ingber! In this week’s episode, Sasha joined Erin in a conversation about her career and the future of the International Spy Museum’s flagship podcast. Now entering it’s 19th year, SpyCast will relaunch on January 14th with brand new episodes, featuring exciting spy stories and the latest intelligence from the shadowy world of espionage. Tune in to learn more about Sasha, our very first female host and the first host with a background in journalism.

As we look forward to our upcoming relaunch, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to those who have had a hand in uplifting SpyCast throughout the past 18 years. In particular, we’d like to thank our outgoing host Dr. Andrew Hammond, whose passion for the history of intelligence and genuine connection with each of our guests shined through each of the 200+ episodes he produced. A special thanks is also due to our friends at N2K Networks for their talented production and unwavering support of the podcast. 

We can’t wait to introduce you all to the new era of SpyCast. See you in the new year! 

Subscribe to Sasha’s Substack, HUMINT, here: https://sashaingber.substack.com/ 

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Summary

Robert Gates (Website; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to reflect on the 75th Anniversary of the CIA. He served 8 U.S. presidents. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• His reflections on the CIA at 75
• How the CIA’s story intersected with his own  
• His take on the organization’s strengths and weaknesses 
• The complex intl. environment the CIA must now help America navigate

Reflections

• Twists of fate
• Identity and institutions 

And much, much more…

Episode Notes

Robert M. Gates is the first career officer in the CIA’s history to rise from entry level employee to Director. He spent 27 years at CIA, nine of those at the NSC. More recently, he was the first Secretary of Defense to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president. In all, he served 8 presidents. 

Wouldn’t you love to know his take on the CIA at 75? Well, we’ve made that happen for you!

He was born in Wichita, Kansas, served in the U.S.A.F. and he received his undergraduate education at William & Mary, his masters from Indiana University, and his doctorate from Georgetown University. He was formerly the President of Texas A&M University and the current Chancellor of William & Mary. 

And…

The academic institutions Dr. Gates has been associated with all have quite different capacities of football stadium: Georgetown University’s Cooper Field can hold 3,750; William & Mary’s Zable Stadium can hold 12,259; Indiana University’s Memorial Stadium can hold 52,626; and Texas A&M’s Kyle Stadium can hold a whopping 102,733. What could we infer about Dr. Gates, college sports, or the United States from this information? Well, that would be thinking like an intelligence analyst.

Quote of the Week

"I've led four very big, very different institutions and like all of them I always saw where places where CIA could be better. But I always loved the place, and I always was proud to work there and proud of the people that I knew…they were probably the smartest, most honest people I've ever met and worked with." – Robert Gates.

Resources

*Andrew’s Recommendation*

• “Reorganization in the Intel. Community,” DCI Gates (1992)
• Watch this prescient clip on historical naivete, or if you’re hardcore, the entire congressional testimony

*SpyCasts*

• “Dealing with Russia” – with Jim Olson (2022)
• “I was a Presidential Daily Briefer on 9/11” – with Mike Morell (2021)

*Beginner Resources*

• History of CIA, CIA (n.d.) [website]
• CIA Director’s Portrait Gallery, CIA (n.d.) [online gallery]
• Impact of President G.H.W. Bush’s Foreign Policy, MSNBC (2018) [13 min. video]
• At 75, CIA Back Where it Started, Countering Kremlin, G. Myre, NPR (2022) [5 min. audio]

Books

• Spymasters: CIA Directors, C. Whipple (S&S, 2020)
• Duty, R. Gates (Vintage, 2015) [Def. Sec. memoir]
• A World Transformed, Bush & Scowcroft (Knopf, 1998)
• From the Shadows, R. Gates (S&S, 1996) [CIA memoir]
• Power & Principle, Z. Brzezinski (FS&G, 1983) [Gates was Z.B.’s Special Asst. at the NSC during the Carter era]

Articles

• A More Realistic Strategy for the Post-Cold War Era, R. Gates, WaPo (2022)
• Creation of the Central Intelligence Group, M. Warner, SII (1996) 

Video

• Legacy of the G.H.W.B. Administration, CFR (2016)
• Book Talk: From the Shadows, R. Gates, C-Span (1996)

Documentary

• The Spymasters, Showtime (2015)

Curatorial

• Pocket History of CIA, CIA (2014)

Primary Sources

• Biden Speech on 75th Anniversary of the CIA (2022)
• Robert Gates on CIA and Openness (1992)
• Nomination of Gates to be DCI (1991)
• Adm. Roscoe, First CIA Director Dies (1982) 
• CIA Review of the World Situation (1947)
• Lester to Truman re Centralized Intelligence (1947) 
• National Security Act (1947)

*Wildcard Resource*

• North by Northwest (Hitchcock, 1959)
• We hear the first explicit mention of “CIA” in a major movie
•  “FBI. CIA. ONI. We’re all in the same alphabet soup.”

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Summary

Hugh Wilford joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book. Hugh is a professor, author, and leading CIA historian. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Imperial influences on American intelligence
• Key figures in CIA history 
• “Wild” Bill Donovan & British influence
• Groton School’s impact on CIA leaders

Reflections

• Inherited history
• Challenging established narratives

And much, much more …

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• The CIA: An Imperial History, Hugh Wilford (Basic Books, 2024)

*SpyCasts*

• The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence with Rory Cormac and Richard Aldrich (2024)
• The Past 75 Years with Historian of the CIA Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (2022)
• The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with former Director Robert Gates (2022)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• A Question of Standing: The History of the CIA, R. Jeffreys-Jones (Oxford University Press, 2022) 
• Spymasters: CIA Directors, C. Whipple (S&S, 2020)
• A Brief History of the CIA, R. Immerman (Wiley, 2014)

Primary Sources 

• Sherman Kent Obituary (1986)
• Maj. Gen. Edward G. Lansdale to go to South Vietnam (1965) 
• CIA Review of the World Situation (1947)
• Lester to Truman re Centralized Intelligence (1947) 
• National Security Act (1947)
• Intelligence Remarks of Major General William J. Donovan (1946)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Kim (1901) by Rudyard Kipling
• As Hugh mentions in this interview, this book was the inspiration behind Kermit Roosevelt Jr.’s nickname, Kim. Harold Adrian Russell Philby, the infamous member of the Cambridge Spy Ring better known as Kim Philby, took inspiration from the same source. 

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Summary

Robert Shaw joins Andrew to discuss his experience working as an accredited Battlefield tour guide. Bob’s career in the British Army spanned over 25 years. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Becoming a battlefield tour guide
• IEDD and Intelligence Work in Northern Ireland
• Hypothetical WWIII scenarios 
• Special Forces, TECHINT, & the Bin Laden Raid

Reflections

• Learning from history
• Interpretation and understanding

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“One of the things about being an IEDD operator, our intent of course is investigation. And part of that is asking questions, lots of them, and getting, in a sense, answers and then following off and chasing trails or rabbit holes … It's good to be able to question everything and work out why it's there and does it fit … So it does really help with battlefield touring.” – Bob Shaw.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Alan Turing: Codebreaker, Visionary, Enigma with Andrew Hodges (2024)
• The Real Ian Fleming with Nicholas Shakespeare (2024)
• ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: The D-Day Deception with National WWII Museum Curator Corey Graff (2023)
• St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023)
• The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy (2022)

DEEPER DIVE

Explore the Sites and Battlefields Discussed

• Thames House
• Vauxhall Cross
• Bletchley Park 
• Monument to SOE Agents
• The Old War Office Building
• The Admiralty Building
• Beaumanor Hall
• Battle of Arnhem / Operation Market Garden 
• The Khyber Pass 
• The Falklands Conflict  
• Abbottabad Raid / Operation Neptune Spear 
• Battle of Stalingrad 

*Wildcard Resource*

• The Battle of Gettysburg is perhaps one of the most well-known and most visited battlefields in the United States. 
• Take a virtual tour of this historic American site here – Tour guidance by Bob not included. 

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Summary

Anna Slafer (LinkedIn, Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the history of the International Spy Museum. Anna was one of SPY’s first employees when the museum opened in 2002. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Building the International Spy Museum
• Milton Maltz: the visionary behind SPY 
• The role of historians and curators 
• Creating exhibits on espionage 

Reflections

• Institutional memory and evolution
• The challenges and joys of storytelling 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“We structured the museum so people could understand: How does [spying] work? Who does it? What is my role? And we wanted to look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.” – Anna Slafer.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The World’s Preeminent Collection of SPY Artifacts with Laura Hicken and Lauren VonBechmann (2024)
• Secrets Revealed – Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023)
• Peter Earnest Memorial: Spook, CIA Spokesman, Spy Museum Director (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• A look at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C., FOX 5 Washington DC, YouTube (2023) [5 min. video]
• About the Collection, International Spy Museum (n.d.) [Short article]
• About Museums, American Alliance of Museums (n.d.) [Short Q&A]

DEEPER DIVE

Articles

• Cracking the Spy Museum Code to Revitalize Stale Learning, J. A. Manning, Medium (2023)
• A Reimagined Spy Museum in Washington Doesn’t Flinch From the Darker Side, S. Shane, The New York Times (2019)
• From For-Profit to Nonprofit: Evolution of the International Spy Museum, E. Merritt, American Alliance of Museums (2019)
• Spy Museum salutes '50 years of Bond Villains,' T. Wells, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (2012)
• Role of museums in managing design education: a case study, H. Lee, International Journal of Education Through Art (2009)
• Museum visitors hit the D.C. streets in spy game, B. Zongker, Seattle Times (2009)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Museums have been a critical element of community building and historical memory for centuries. 
• One of the world’s first curators was a woman named Ennigaldi-Nanna from modern day Iraq. Dating from 530 B.C., Ennigaldi-Nanna’s museum of Mesopotamian artifacts is thought to be the world’s oldest museum. 

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Summary

Lieutenant General Anthony Crutchfield (Ret.) (LinkedIn, Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his time as the Deputy Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command. PACOM covers 52% of the globe. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The role of intelligence in military operations
• Ethical dilemmas in command decisions
• Reflections on the impact of mentorship and outreach 
• The importance of remaining aware in today's pervasive world

Reflections

• The challenges of leadership
• Hard work, determination, and resilience

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I worked hard at everything I did. If somebody asked me to do a job, I didn’t say, ‘That’s not my job,’ I didn’t complain. There were places that I was sent that I didn’t want to go, but I went – And I didn’t complain about it…I did the best that I could and it was recognized.” – Anthony Crutchfield.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Leading United States Central Command with General Frank McKenzie (2024)
• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023)
• Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century, K. F. McKenzie (Naval Institute Press, 2024)
• Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, D. Petraeus & A. Roberts (Harper, 2023) 
• Strategy in Crisis: The Pacific War, J. T. Kuehn (Naval Institute Press, 2023) 
• Fire on the Water: China, America, and the Future of the Pacific, R. J. Haddick (Naval Institute Press, 2014)

Primary Sources 

• U.S. Defense Infrastructure in the IndoPacific: Background and Issues for Congress (2023)
• Pacific Partnership Strategy (2022)
• Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States (2022)

*Wildcard Resource*

• PACOM is, by far, the largest geographical combatant command. The smallest, on the other hand, is the U.S. Central Command. Listen to our interview with General Frank McKenzie, 14th commander of CENTCOM, here! 

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Summary

Jonathan B. Smith (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the application of intelligence to entrepreneurship. Jonathan is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist.

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Building high-performance teams
• Case officers vs. entrepreneurs 
• Networking and overcoming operational challenges
• Curiosity as a key trait for success

Reflections

• The will to succeed 
• The power of listening and empathy

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I often switch languages …I'll speak from a medical CEO's perspective versus a financial services CEO perspective. And people, when you use their language, they tend to lean in. They're like, “Oh, you understand me.” It's fascinating – People don't want to know how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Jonathan B. Smith.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Cyber Behavioral Profiler with Cameron Malin (2024) 
• The FBI Hostage Negotiator with Chris Voss (2024) 
• Spying and Start-Ups with former Assistant Director of the CIA John Mullen (2022)
• From the CIA to Strategic Cyber with Hans Holmer (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Do Entrepreneurs Actually Do? Foundation for Economic Education, YouTube (2019) [3 min. video]
• What is EOS? Entrepreneurial Operating System (n.d.) [Fact sheet]
• Case Officer, Central Intelligence Agency (n.d.) [Job description]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Sell Like A Spy: The Art of Persuasion from the World of Espionage, J. Hurewitz (Diversion Books, 2024)
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, C. Voss & T. Raz (Harper Business, 2016)
• Optimize for Growth: How to Scale Up Your Business, Your Network and You, J. B. Smith (Chief Optimizer, 2015)

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Summary

Ean Forsythe joins Andrew to discuss the history of Cuban intelligence. Ean is the Counterintelligence and Security Center Chair at the National Intelligence University. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The history and evolution of Cuban intelligence
• Case studies, including Ana Montes, Kendall Meyers, and the Cuban Five
• Counterintelligence strategies and challenges
• The role of Cuban intelligence during the Cold War

Reflections

• Ideology and the power of ideas
• Offensive vs. defensive play 

And much, much more …

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Code Name Blue Wren: Cuban Spy Ana Montes with Jim Popkin (2023)
• The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)
• Dealing with Russia – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Code Name Blue Wren: The True Story of America's Most Dangerous Female Spy—and the Sister She Betrayed, J. Popkin (Hanover, 2023)
• To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence, J. M. Olson (Georgetown University Press, 2021)
• United States-Cuban Relations: A Critical History, E. M. Dominguez (Lexington, 2008)

Primary Sources 

• Report on the Convictions and Disproportionate Sentences Imposed on the Cuban Five (2014)
• USA: The Case of the Cuban Five (2010)
• Inspector General Review of Ana Montes Investigation (2005)
• US vs. Marta Rita Velazquez (2004)
• Ana Montes Statement During Trial (2001)
• FBI Arrests DIA Employee (2001)
• Selection and Training of Cuban Intelligence Agents Abroad (1964)
• Cuban Intelligence Information Report (1964)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Watch Erin bake Ana Montes’ famous cheesecake recipe and dive deeper into Ana’s story in SPY's Declassified Desserts video! 

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Summary

Eliot Higgins (X; Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the work of Bellingcat. Eliot founded the open-source investigative website in 2014. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Bellingcat’s approach to “investigative journalism”  
• The rise of OSINT as a tool of journalism  
• Bellingcat’s relationship with intelligence agencies 
• Case studies from Bellingcat’s past, including the Skripal Case and the MH17 flight investigation

Reflections

• Leading by example
• Accessibility and accountability

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“When I first started doing this work ... I would present geolocation and stuff on stage. The reaction was like I was doing magic tricks, but my point was that. This isn't magic – This is something that you can do and recreate and understand.” - Eliot Higgins.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Digital Innovation and the Next Frontier of Intelligence with Jennifer Ewbank (2024)
• The Future of OSINT and the Intelligence Community with Jason Barrett (2024) 
• U.S. Army Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) with Dennis Eger & Shawn Nilius (2024)
• Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online Information, M. Bazzell (2023) 
• Deep Dive: Exploring the Real-world Value of Open Source Intelligence, R. L. Baker (Wiley, 2023)
• We Are Bellingcat: The Online Sleuths Solving Global Crimes, E. Higgins (Bloomsbury, 2022)

Primary Sources 

• Map of Civilian Harm in Ukraine (2024)
• Death of Sinwar Report (2024)
• The IC OSINT Strategy 2024-2026 (2024)
• DoS Open Source Intelligence Strategy (2024)
• MH17 Investigation (2019)
• Skripal Report (2018) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• The fable of Belling the Cat
• The inspiration behind Bellingcat’s name, the moral of this story is simple – It’s one thing to suggest a solution or idea, but it’s a whole other beast to actually take action. 

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Summary

Cameron Malin (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss cyber and behavioral profiling. Cameron was the creator and founder of the FBI’s Cyber Behavioral Analysis Center. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The historical origins of behavioral profiling
• Applying behavioral profiling to counterintelligence and cyber threats
• Nature vs. Nurture in criminal behavior
• The future of deception and cyberwarfare 

Reflections

• The complexity of the human mind
• Threat evolution

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“We need to think about cybersecurity as not just hacking and malware and the obvious tangible or known weapons that are used, it includes mental malware … Deep fakes and disinformation, things that can cause erroneous decision making that are just as powerful.” – Cameron Malin

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The FBI Hostage Negotiator with Chris Voss (2024)
• A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 1 with Dr. Ursula Wilder (2024)
• A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 2 with Dr. Ursula Wilder (2024)
• “How Spies Think” – 10 Lessons in Intelligence with Sir David Omand (2020)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Deception in the Digital Age: Exploiting and Defending Human Targets through Computer-Mediated Communications, C. Malin et. al. (Academic Press, 2017)
• Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber, and the Invention of Criminal Profiling, M. Cannell (Minotaur Books, 2017)
• Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit, J. Douglas & M. Olshaker (1995) 

Primary Sources 

• Lone Offender Terrorism Report (2019)
• A Study of Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the United States Between 2000 and 2013 (2018)
• FBI Jack the Ripper Profile (1988)
• Criminal Investigation: A Practical Handbook (1907 translation)
• UK Parliamentary Debates (1888)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Mindhunter (2017-2019)
• While not perfectly accurate, this TV show (heavily inspired by the book of the same name, listed above) is a truly excellent watch. 

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Summary

Chris Voss (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the art of negotiation. Chris formerly served as the FBI lead international hostage negotiator. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The very basics of negotiation, including the phrase “Never split the difference”
• The art of Tactical Empathy 
• Case studies from Chris’ career, including the Dos Palmas kidnappings
• Techniques in ethical interrogation

Reflections

• Pressure makes diamonds
• Human nature & understanding “the other side”

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Never take advice from somebody that you wouldn’t trade places with. Never take directions from somebody who hasn’t been where you’re going … I’m coachable, but I know who to be coached by.” – Chris Voss.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• James Foley: Journalist, ISIS Hostage, Son with His Mother Diane Foley (2024)
• A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 1 with Dr. Ursula Wilder (2024) 
• A CIA Psychologist on the Minds of World Leaders, Pt. 2 with Dr. Ursula Wilder (2024)
• The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)
• The FBI Way - Counterintelligence Spy Chief Frank Figliuzzi (2021)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• American Mother, C. McCann and D. Foley (Etruscan Press, 2024)
• The Siege, B. Macintyre (Crown, 2024)
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, C. Voss & T. Raz (Harper Business, 2016)

Primary Sources 

• A Proclamation on U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day (2024)
• Executive Order on Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home (2022)
• FBI Hostage Rescue Team Policy Guide (2019) 
• DOS Foreign Affairs Manual: Hostage Taking and Kidnappings (2018)
• 5 Leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group Indicted (2002)
• Hostage Negotiation: A Matter of Life and Death (1983) 
• Current Status of the Hostage Crisis and the Implications of US Policy Options (1980) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Want to learn even more? Check out Chris’ MasterClass on the Art of Negotiation. 
• And while you’re there, tune in to MasterClass’ other intelligence and espionage-related courses featuring insights from John Douglas, Michael Morrell & more, and Condoleezza Rice. 

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Summary

Jim Himes (Website; X) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the U.S. House Intelligence Committee. Jim has served as the U.S. representative for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district since 2009. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Its role and operations
• The importance of bipartisan collaboration
• Transparency and accountability in intelligence 
• Congressman Himes' personal experiences during 9/11, its impact on his career in intelligence, and 9/11’s impact on intelligence at large

Reflections

• Public trust and earning confidence
• Partnership and cooperation

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I get asked all the time, ‘Oh my gosh, you see all the threats. Do you sleep at night?’ … Yes, I do see with particularly exquisite detail the threats against us. I also get to see the detail of the assets and the people that we deploy against those threats. And because I get to see with great detail the assets and the tools that we have to address those threats, yes, I do sleep at night. Not because they will ever be perfect, but because these are incredibly dedicated people, the technology is amazing, and it is commensurate with the threats out there.” -Jim Himes

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Digital Innovation and the Next Frontier of Intelligence with Jennifer Ewbank (2024)
• The Future of OSINT and the Intelligence Community with Jason Barrett (2024)
• The Future of NATO with Leon Panetta and Expert Panel (2024)
• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Sies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence, A. B. Zegart (Princeton University Press, 2022)
• The Secret World: A History of Intelligence, C. Andrew (Yale University Press, 2019)
• The First Congress: How James Madison, George Washington, and a Group of Extraordinary Men Invented the Government, F. M. Bordewich (Simon & Schuster, 2016)

Primary Sources 

• House Intelligence Committee COVID-19 Report (2022)
• Unclassified Summary of the Second Interim Report on the Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2022)
• House Intelligence Committee Report on Russian Active Measures (2018)
• Snowden Report (2016)
• The 9/11 Commission Report (2004) 

H. Res. 658 (1977)

*Wildcard Resource*

• One of Connecticut’s very first representatives was a gentleman named Roger Sherman. Sherman is unique not only for being one of Jim’s congressional predecessors but also because he is the only person to have signed all four great state papers of the United States. 
• These include: The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Articles of Association, and the Constitution. As a bonus, he also signed the 1774 Petition to the King. 

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Summary

Jennifer Ewbank (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of technology within intelligence. Jennifer recently retired from her role as Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The qualities and skills of great digital leadership
• Risk management in intelligence
• The roles, responsibilities, and emotional toll of the Chief of Station
• The integration of technology across CIA operations

Reflections

• Humility and lifelong learning 
• Leadership in dynamic arenas

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Intelligence isn't about knowing exactly what's going to happen … It's about delivering a decision advantage to our policymakers. Decision advantage doesn't mean that I can tell you precisely what's going to happen and when. You never have perfect information, and you have to be able to move still. You can't be paralyzed by a desire to seek that last detail when, particularly in digital tech space, like the world is moving rapidly all around you.” – Jennifer Ewbank.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Future of OSINT and the Intelligence Community with Jason Barrett (2024)
• Cybersecurity in The White House with Camille Stewart Gloster (2024) 
• Espionage and the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl (2023)
• How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• The IC OSINT Strategy (2024)
• 2024 Report on the Cybersecurity Posture of the United States (2024)
• National Cybersecurity Strategy (2023)
• Ethical Frameworks in Open Source Intelligence (2022)

*Wildcard Resource*

• ChatGPT isn’t the only AI tool in our toolboxes anymore. In this episode, Jennifer mentioned Osiris, an AI tool that helps Agency staff analyze and sort mass amounts of information. 
• If you’re feeling similarly overwhelmed at work and looking for your own AI assistant, check out this list of the best AI productivity tools and start making your life easier! 

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Summary

Pete Langman and Nadine Akkerman join Andrew to discuss espionage in Elizabethan England. Pete and Nadine are authors of the new book Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Spymasters of the Elizabethan era 
• Techniques in forgeries, invisible inks, and seal-making
• The impact of spies on important historical events like the Spanish Armada
• The connections between espionage and religious tension

Reflections

• Creativity & Innovation
• The risks and dangers of early espionage

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Spies are involved with bribery. They cheat and they lie, so it’s immoral, and often there are things that are just illegal in other instances, such as forgery of documents. Other people would get their ears clipped or their noses slit if they forged documents.If you are a spy, you are being asked to do that on the job. So it's a dangerous game and the lines are very thin.” – Nadine Akkerman.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• Spycraft: Tricks and Tools of the Dangerous Trade from Elizabeth I to the Restoration, N. Akkerman & P. Langman (Yale University Press, 2024) 

*SpyCasts*

• The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence with Rory Cormac and Richard Aldrich (2024) 
• Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)
• The Information Battlespace – Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette (2022)
• So, You Want to Be a Codebreaker? with Elonka Dunin and Klaus Schmeh (2021) 

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• Natural magick, Smithsonian Digital Library (1658)
• Page of Ciphers Used by Mary Queen of Scots, UK National Archives (1586)
• Letter from Mary, Queen of Scots in Sheffield Castle to Elizabeth I, British Library (1582)
• Mary, Queen of Scots to Sir William Cecil, UK National Archives (1570)
• De Furtivis Literarum notis (1563)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Use this invisible ink recipe from the UK National Archives to send your own secret messages. 
• You may recognize this heat method from one of Erin’s favorite movies, National Treasure (2004), where a secret message is revealed on the back of the Declaration of Independence. 

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Summary

Jason Barrett (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of open-source intelligence into the American Intelligence Community. Jason is the first-ever OSINT Executive. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Historical examples of OSINT
• The evolution of Open Source Intelligence
• The challenges and unique opportunities OSINT presents
• The future of OSINT within the Intelligence Community 

Reflections

• Trust and transparency 
• Efficiency in intelligence gathering

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“We're living in an age when credibility and trust is really important to build. This is an opportunity for the IC to really build that trust, I think in important ways. So, it's an area I think you will see more of us being more transparent in our work.” – Jason Barrett. 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• U.S. Army Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) with Dennis Eger & Shawn Nilius (2024)
• Cybersecurity in The White House with Camille Stewart Gloster (2024)
• David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023)
• Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online Information, M. Bazzell (2023) 
• Deep Dive: Exploring the Real-world Value of Open Source Intelligence, R. L. Baker (Wiley, 2023)
• Open Source Intelligence Methods and Tools: A Practical Guide to Online Intelligence, N. A. Hassan & R. Hijazi (Apress, 2018)

Primary Sources 

• The IC OSINT Strategy 2024-2026 (2024)
• DoS Open Source Intelligence Strategy (2024) 
• Ethical Frameworks in Open-Source Intelligence (2022) 
• Open-Source Intelligence, Department of the Army (2012) 
• Department of Defense OSINT Instruction (2010)

*Wildcard Resource*

• You’ve probably practiced OSINT techniques many times before – Think, Facebook stalking your old college friends to see what they’re up to. Many video games also involve the usage of open-source collection techniques: 
• Return of the Obra Dinn (2018) is one such critically acclaimed video game. The game, set on an early 19th-century ship, challenges its player to solve the mystery of what happened to the crew onboard by piecing together scraps of information from journal entries and related documents. 

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Summary

Tim Tate (Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the Spycatcher Affair. Tim is a best-selling author and award-winning filmmaker. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Peter Wright: His background and motives 
• The contents of Spycatcher including the exposure of alleged soviet moles
• The UK’s efforts to keep their secrets secret
• The lasting effects of the Spycatcher Affair

Reflections

• Personal secrecy vs. public security
• Censorship and free speech

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

"[Wright] found truly acres of paperwork from old files which had been disregarded and hadn't been properly followed up on and leads that hadn't been properly followed. And when he pulled at them, those threads of evidence, and when he chased it down, what he found, as often as not, was genuine reason to suspect that the penetration, the widespread penetration, was real and serious.” – Tim Tate

.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• To Catch a Spy: How the Spycatcher Affair brought MI5 in from the Cold, Tim Tate (Icon Books, 2024)

*SpyCasts*

• The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)
• St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023)
• The Information Battlespace – Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette (2022)
• Dealing with Russia – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence, J. Olson (Georgetown University Press, 2021)
• Traitors Among Us: Inside the Spy Catcher's World, S. A. Herrington (Harvest Books, 2000)
• The Spycatcher Affair, C. Pincher (St. Martin’s Press, 1988)
• Spycatcher, P. Wright (Heinemann, 1987)

Primary Sources 

• Peter Wright Case (Part 1) (1987)
• Peter Wright Case (Part 2) (1987) 
• Retired Spy Claims Cover Up in British Service (1984)
• The Hollis Affair (1981)
• The “Zinoviev” Letter Investigation (1924)
• The Zimmermann Telegram (1917)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Areopagitica (1644) by John Milton
• Illegally published in the UK in protest to the Licensing Order of 1643, this polemic has since become one of the most influential documents defending the right to free speech and free publication. 

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Summary

Rachel Noble joins Andrew to discuss her role as Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate. Rachel is the first woman to hold this position.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The Australian Signals Directorate: Its purpose and mission
• The true story of the Pine Gap spy facility
• Leadership in Intelligence
• The SIGINT origins of the Five Eyes alliance

Reflections

• The value of team
• The importance of work-life balance

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Women lead differently. We talk differently, we engage in different ways. And I've had to learn to own that about myself and not be tempted to try to be like the guys, compete with them on their own terms, or to adopt male behaviors in order to be heard … [Doing that] doesn't really help other women who might come after me.” – Rachel Noble.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Codebreaking and Codemaking Down Under with John Blaxland and Clare Birgin (2024)
• Australian National Day Special: Intelligence Down Under with John Blaxland (2024)
• SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America (2022)
• Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022) 

*Beginner Resources*

• What is SIGINT? YouTube (2020) [2 min. video]
• Who we are, Australian Signals Directorate (2020) [Short article]
• Our Agencies, National Intelligence Community of Australia (n.d.) [Overview of each agency in the Australian IC]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• REDSPICE Blueprint (2022)
• Report of the Royal Commission on Intelligence and Security (1977) 
• Australian Treaty Series: Five Power Defence Agreements (1971)
• Australian Treaty Series: Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of the United States of America relating to the Establishment of a Joint Defence Space Research Facility (1966)
• Policy file containing Cabinet approval of establishment of Joint Intelligence Organisation and participation of New Zealand Government (1946) 
• ASD Role and effectiveness of Signals Intelligence in World War II (1945)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Rachel mentioned in this podcast episode that one of her favorite treats when coming to the States are Snickerdoodles – A delectable sugar cookie showered in cinnamon-sugar topping. 
• In the cookie world, snickerdoodles are a more recent invention with their first written mention being in an 1889 cookbook. Learn more about the history of cookies here! 

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Summary

Neil Bradbury (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the deadly history of poison and espionage. Neil is an author and biochemist.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• How different poisons affect the human body 
• The usage of poisons as a covert assassination method
• The deaths of defectors Alexander Litvinenko and Georgi Markov
• The Soviet Union’s Lab X and the production and research of poisons on the state level

Reflections

• The double edge of creativity 
• The necessity for research and experimentation

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“In order to counteract lots of the poisons, you have to know how they work, and you have to be able to develop your own. So, yes, undoubtedly, Western governments are just as actively involved in creating these chemicals and also the antidotes to them.” – Dr. Neil Bradbury.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• A Taste for Poison: Eleven Deadly Molecules and the Killers Who Used Them, Neil Bradbury (St. Martin’s Press, 2022) 

*SpyCasts*

• The Murder of an IRA Spy with Henry Hemming (2024)
• I Helped Solve the Final Zodiac Killer Cipher with David Oranchak (2024) 
• The North Korean Defector with Former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo (2023)
• Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Poison: The History of Potions, Powders and Murderous Practitioners, B. Hubbard (Welbeck Publishing, 2020)
• Poison: A History: An Account of the Deadly Art and its Most Infamous Practitioners, J. Davis (Chartwell Books, 2018)
• The KGB's Poison Factory: From Lenin to Litvinenko, B. Volodarsky (Zenith Press, 2010) 

Primary Sources 

• Press Release on the Poisoning of Alexei Navalny (2020)
• Update on the Use of Nerve Agent in Salisbury, UK (2018)
• The Litvinenko Inquiry (2016)
• Situation Report on Piesteritz (1953)
• Analysis of Madame Lefarge’s Arsenic Trial (1840)

*Wildcard Resource*

• This week’s companion song can only be Waterloo Sunset (1967) by The Kinks. 
• Heralded as one of the most beautiful songs of the swingin’ sixties, “Waterloo Sunset” is appropriately incorporated into the title of Neil’s chapter on the assassination of Georgi Markov, which took place on London’s Waterloo Bridge. 

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Summary

Jefferson Morley and Mark Zaid join Andrew in a debate over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Mark and Jeff are longtime friends and colleagues with very different viewpoints of what truly happened on November 22nd, 1963. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The lasting questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination
• Lee Harvey Oswald’s intelligence connections
• The Warren Commission and the JFK Assassination Records
• The strangest theories Mark and Jeff have heard, and the most plausible explanations of who killed President Kennedy

Reflections

• Public distrust and the search for truth
• Reactions and responses to tragedy

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

 ”That's why I think they probably have something to hide. Because it doesn't make sense otherwise … If they had access to that kind of straightforward story, we would get that.” – Jefferson Morley.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Skinny on American Intelligence & the Law with D.C. “Super Lawyer” Mark Zaid (2024)
• Rise of Devils: The Origins of Modern Terrorism with James Crossland (2024)
• Havana Syndrome – A Panel featuring Nicky Woolf, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Mark Zaid (2023)
• The Past 75 Years with Historian of the CIA Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• Lee Harvey Oswald, Britannica (2024) [Short biography]
• JFK Files: What we're learning from newly released Kennedy assassination records, CBS News, YouTube (2022) [6 min. video]
• Kennedy Assassination Timeline, The Sixth Floor Museum (n.d.) [Timeline of events]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government, D. Talbot (Harper Perennial, 2016)
• JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, J. W. Douglass (Touchstone, 2010)
• Our Man in Mexico: Winston Scott and the Hidden History of the CIA, J. Morley (University Press of Kansas, 2008)

Primary Sources 

• President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act (1992)
• Select Committee on Assassinations Report (1978)
• Warren Commission Report (1964) 
• LBJ Address to Congress (1963)
• Interrogation of Lee Harvey Oswald (1963)
• JFK Autopsy Report (1963)
• The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Test how you would do in Kennedy’s shoes by playing 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962 – A two-player board game that tests your quick-thinking strategy and conflict resolution skills. 

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Summary

Jefferson Morley and Mark Zaid join Andrew in a debate over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Mark and Jeff are longtime friends and colleagues with very different viewpoints of what truly happened on November 22nd, 1963. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The lasting questions surrounding the Kennedy assassination
• Lee Harvey Oswald’s intelligence connections
• The Warren Commission and the JFK Assassination Records
• The strangest theories Mark and Jeff have heard, and the most plausible explanations of who killed President Kennedy

Reflections

• Public distrust and the search for truth
• Reactions and responses to tragedy

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

 ”That's why I think they probably have something to hide. Because it doesn't make sense otherwise … If they had access to that kind of straightforward story, we would get that.” – Jefferson Morley.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Skinny on American Intelligence & the Law with D.C. “Super Lawyer” Mark Zaid (2024)
• Rise of Devils: The Origins of Modern Terrorism with James Crossland (2024)
• Havana Syndrome – A Panel featuring Nicky Woolf, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Mark Zaid (2023)
• The Past 75 Years with Historian of the CIA Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• Lee Harvey Oswald, Britannica (2024) [Short biography]
• JFK Files: What we're learning from newly released Kennedy assassination records, CBS News, YouTube (2022) [6 min. video]
• Kennedy Assassination Timeline, The Sixth Floor Museum (n.d.) [Timeline of events]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government, D. Talbot (Harper Perennial, 2016)
• JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, J. W. Douglass (Touchstone, 2010)
• Our Man in Mexico: Winston Scott and the Hidden History of the CIA, J. Morley (University Press of Kansas, 2008)

Primary Sources 

• President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act (1992)
• Select Committee on Assassinations Report (1978)
• Warren Commission Report (1964) 
• LBJ Address to Congress (1963)
• Interrogation of Lee Harvey Oswald (1963)
• JFK Autopsy Report (1963)
• The President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Test how you would do in Kennedy’s shoes by playing 13 Days: The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962 – A two-player board game that tests your quick-thinking strategy and conflict resolution skills. 

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Summary

Henry Hemming (X, Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the case of Frank Hegarty, a British spy operating within the IRA. Henry is a bestselling espionage author. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Espionage and the role of MI5 within the Troubles
• The story of Frank Hegarty, a British spy working in Derry
• Freddie Scappaticci, or Stakeknife, and Operation Kenova
• The moral implications of spying

Reflections

• Sacrifice, risk, and trust
• The nuances of conflict 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“This is where it becomes, morally, much more complex. What’s difficult … is that most of the handlers who were faced with these decisions didn't have adequate training. They didn't know what the law said. They didn't know exactly what the limits were to what they could and could not do … And suddenly, as we're beginning to find out, mistakes were made.” – Henry Hemming.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023) 
• Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)
• The IRA, The Troubles & Intelligence with Eleanor Williams and Thomas Leahy (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• Why is Ireland Divided? History Matters, YouTube (2022) [3 min. video]
• What You Need to Know About The Troubles, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article] 
• A Brief History of Ireland, T. Lambert, Local Histories (n.d.) [Short article] 

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Stakeknife's Dirty War: The Inside Story of Scappaticci, the IRA’s Nutting Squad, and the British Spooks who Ran the War, R. O’Rawe (Merrion Press, 2023)
• The Intelligence War against the IRA, T. Leahy (Cambridge University Press, 2020)
• Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, P. Radden Keefe (Anchor, 2020)

Primary Sources 

• Operation Kenova Interim Report (2024)
• Report of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry (2010)
• The Good Friday Agreement (1998)
• The Anglo-Irish Agreement (1985)
• IRA Green Book (1977) 
• Guerrilla Warfare Handbook for IRA Volunteers (1956)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Much of the events mentioned in this week’s episode take place in Derry, or Londonderry, Northern Ireland. 
• Check out one of Erin’s favorite TV shows, Derry Girls – It tells the story of a young group of friends growing up in Derry during the Troubles. The town loved the show so much, they erected a mural to immortalize the five fictional friends that represented so many of their own upbringings in Derry.

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Summary

Brett Forrest and Warren Strobel join Andrew to discuss reporting intelligence. Brett and Warren are national security reporters for The Wall Street Journal. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The intelligence learning curve 
• Stories from the front lines of modern conflicts and critical moments 
• The unique challenges that come with reporting on intelligence, and ...
• The risks, including being a target of espionage

Reflections

• Privacy and protection 
• The power, and danger, of sharing information

And much, much more …

Episode Notes

This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined in the studio by Brett Forrest and Warren Strobel, intelligence correspondents at the Wall Street Journal. As SpyCast listeners will know, issues of intelligence and espionage are constantly going on all around us – But how does the public stay in the know and up to date on the latest cases and news from around the world? Well, that's where these two come in. 

Quotes of the Week

“It's about knocking on every possible door that you can imagine, that you can come up with, that you can dig up. And, all you're hoping for is one of those doors to open. You know, you knock on a hundred doors, you get 99 doors to open. You just want that one door to open because that's where the information is. That's where the source is. So, I don't know if I would call that luck, I would call that persistence.” - Brett Forrest

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Zelensky, Ukraine, and Intelligence with Simon Shuster (2024)
• China’s Corporate Spy War with CNBC’s Eamon Javers (2023)
• My Life Looking at Spies & the Media with Paul Lashmar (2021)
• The Women of NatSec Journalism – 6 Leading Journalists (2017)

*Beginner Resources*

• A Brief History of Journalism in America, M. A. McIntosh, Brewminate (2022) [Short article]
• A History of The Wall Street Journal, G. Hughes, Historic Newspapers (2021) [Short article]
• What Is Journalism and Why Does it Matter? CTRL-F, YouTube (2018) [3 min. Video]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Spies, Spin and the Fourth Estate, P. Lashmar (EUP, 2021)
• Spies and the Media in Britain, R. Norton-Taylor (IBT, 2018)
• Spinning Intelligence, R. Dover and M. Goodman (CUP, 2009)

Articles

• How Cuba Recruits Spies to Penetrate Inner Circles of the U.S. Government, B. Forrest & W. Strobel, The Wall Street Journal (2024)
• Reporters who covered U.S. invasion of Iraq reflect on impact of war, N. Schifrin & Z. Warsi, PBS News (2023)
• Russian Spy or Ukrainian Hero? The Strange Death of Denys Kiryeyev, B. Forrest, The Wall Street Journal (2023)
• In Ukraine, New Reports of War Crimes Emerge as Russians Retreat From Kyiv Area, B. Forrest, The Wall Street Journal (2022)
• Questioning the Case for War, C. A. Preble, CATO Institute (2018) 
• CIA Intercepts Underpin Assessment Saudi Crown Prince Targeted Khashoggi, W. Strobel, The Wall Street Journal (2018)

Video

• Lost Son with Brett Forrest, International Spy Museum, YouTube (2023) 
• Ukrainians in Bucha reflect on horrors and brutality suffered at hands of Russian forces, PBS News (2023)

Primary Sources 

• It is time to do everything to make the war crimes of the Russian military the last manifestation of this evil on earth - address by the President of Ukraine (2022) 
• UN Report on the Killing of Civilians in Ukraine (2022)
• McClatchy (Knight Ridder) Iraq Intelligence Archive (2001-2007)
• Reporting the War (2005)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Shock and Awe (2017)
• Starring James Marsden as Warren Strobel! 

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Summary

General Frank McKenzie (Biography, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book, The Melting Point. General McKenzie was the 14th commander of the United States Central Command. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Combatant commands and their purpose
• Leading CENTCOM, Central Command
• The role of intelligence in military leadership 
• The US withdrawal from Afghanistan

Reflections

• Learning from the lessons of history 
• The importance and impact of leadership 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“What that leads you to is really, intelligence. It paints that picture and it describes the operational environment within which you can operate. So here's the risk. If you're an aggressive commander … There's a temptation to lean on intelligence to tell you what you want to hear, shape the information … In the back of your mind, you need to recognize, you can't go into it with what I would call confirmation bias.” – General Frank McKenzie.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource* 

• The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century, Kenneth F. McKenzie (Naval Institute Press, 2024)

*SpyCasts*

• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023)
• Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)
• Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• CENTCOM, Encyclopaedia Britannica (2024) [Encyclopedia entry]
• Why the Middle East is so important to the US, BBC World Service, YouTube (2024) [10 min. video]
• Combatant Commands, U.S. Department of Defense (n.d.) [Brief overviews of the 11 Unified Combatant Commands]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• Retirement Ceremony Honors CENTCOM Commander (2022)
• U.S. Central Command Statement on the Realignment of the State of Israel (2021)
• Memorandum Re: January 2020 Airstrike in Iraq Against Qassem Soleimani (2020)
• Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan (2020)
• Remarks by President Trump on the Death of ISIS Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (2019) 
• Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Letter from Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant (1863)
• In this famous letter, Lincoln congratulates Major General Grant on his leadership during the Siege of Vicksburg, a critical success for the Union army. Perhaps not often done by a president, Lincoln here admits his strategy was wrong, and praises the intellect and military prowess of Grant. 

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Summary

An expert panel of world leaders gathered at the International Spy Museum to discuss the importance of NATO today and in the future. Panelists included former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, among others. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Threats facing Baltic countries, including Russia
• The importance of NATO support for Ukraine
• Maintaining stability during political turmoil
• NATO’s growth and where it still needs to evolve in the 21st century

Reflections

• The power of global partnerships 
• The impact of honest leadership 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“In the old days, NATO was kind of a place where everybody did their talking points and then left. But for the first time in a very long time, NATO is more than just a forum. It is a security alliance that is very important to protecting world peace.” – Leon Panetta.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Zelensky, Ukraine & Intelligence with Simon Shuster (2024)
• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023)
• NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence & Security with David Cattler (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• Why are the Baltic states strategically important for NATO? A. Sytas, Reuters (2023) [Short article]
• Ukraine conflict: Simple visual guide to the Russian invasion, BBC (2022) [Short article]
• The Formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact | History, YouTube (2017) [3 min. video]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• Statement by the North Atlantic Council on recent Russian hybrid activities (2024)
• Joint letter to DoD for Urgent Ukraine Aid (2024)
• Address by the President to Ukrainians at the end of the first day of Russia's attacks (2022) 
• Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the situation at the Poland-Belarus border (2021)
• Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the Accession of the Republic of Estonia (2003)
• Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the accession of the Republic of Latvia (2003)
• Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty on the accession of the Republic of Lithuania (2003)
• The North Atlantic Treaty (1949)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Our international panelists in this week’s episode hail from the beautiful countries of Latvia, Estonia, and Croatia. To learn more about the history and culture of these countries, take virtual tours of their national museums or libraries here: 
• Hrvatski povijesni muzej, Croatian History Museum
• Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka, National Library of Latvia
• Eesti Rahva Muuseum, Estonian National Museum 

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Summary

Camille Stewart Gloster (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss her career in cyber. Camille was the first Deputy National Cyber Director for Technology & Ecosystem for the White House. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The intersections between technology and law
• The origins of the cyber threat
• The importance of cyber education
• Building a diverse cyber workforce

Reflections

• Challenging narratives and norms
• Strategic education

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Another part of the problem is having a conversation where people understand that they do a lot of this work every day. Honing those skills and being intentional about them and then applying them to a career means a transition from a hobby to something more concrete. And that narrative piece of making cybersecurity not seem so overwhelming is a big part of the work as well.” – Camille Stewart Gloster. 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Indian Intelligence & Cyber – A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai (2023)
• Espionage and the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl (2023)
• The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 1 of 2) (2022)
• The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran (Part 2 of 2) (2022)
• Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What is Cybersecurity? CISA (2021) [Short article]
• What is Cyber? Marketing Business Network, YouTube (2019) [2 min. video]
• Why Is Cybersecurity Important? CompTIA (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• 2024 Report on the Cybersecurity Posture of the United States (2024)
• National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy: Initial Stages of Implementation (2024)
• Executive Order on Preventing Access to Americans’ Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and United States Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern (2024)
• National Cybersecurity Strategy (2023)
• National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan (2023)
• National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (2023)
• CHIPS Act (2022)
• Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity (2021)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Test your cybersecurity awareness with this #BeCyberSmart crossword from the Center for Development of Security Excellence. 

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Summary

Michael Collins joins Andrew to discuss the National Intelligence Council. Michael is the NIC’s current acting chair. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The role of the National Intelligence Council
• National Intelligence Officers and their work around the world
• The products of the NIC, including the Annual Threat Assessment
• The importance of Intelligence Diplomacy and objective analysis 

Reflections

• The power of collaboration
• Staying grounded and optimistic

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“In the analytic product, the first paragraph says: Here's the bad thing. Second paragraph says: This is what the bad thing means for the United States. Third paragraph is: What can be done to stop the bad thing, or more importantly, to identify an opportunity. I have to be optimistic. If I weren't, I wouldn't be in this job.” – Michael Collins.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Telling Americans About China (and Intelligence) with Sara Castro (2024)
• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• The Past 75 Years with Historian of the CIA Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones (2022)
• The National Intelligence University with its President Scott Cameron (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• America’s Intelligence Community, Explained, Washington Post, YouTube (2014) [2 min. video]
• What is Intelligence Analysis and Why is It So Important? National American University (n.d.) [Short article]
• Members of the IC, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (n.d.) [List of agencies]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• 2024 Annual Threat Assessment (2024) 
• IC OSINT Strategy 2024-2026 (2024) 
• 2023 National Intelligence Strategy (2023)
• Updated Assessment of Anomalous Health Incidents (2023)
• Global Trends 2040 (2021)
• National Intelligence Estimates on Climate Change (2021)

*Wildcard Resource*

• This week’s guest shares a name with another intelligence professional: Michael Collins (1890-1922), a prominent leader of Irish independence. 
• You may remember this Michael Collins from his involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising, but did you know he was also the Director of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Army? Check out some of “The Squad’s” spy gadgets and artifacts here. 

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Summary

Jason Barlow (X; Biography) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the iconic James Bond vehicles. Jason is the longstanding editor-at-large at Top Gear.

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• How the “Bond car” phenomenon came to be
• Ian Fleming’s love for cars
• The different “nationalities” of Bond cars
• What it’s like to be behind the wheel of some of these iconic cars 

Reflections

• The making of pop culture
• The “personality” of cars

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Something strange happens in popular culture, where worlds kind of collide and cars assume these sorts of statuses far in excess of what they're actually doing in the movies. I find it fascinating as a process. Nobody can predict how these things are going to go and it's wonderful when these things do happen.” – Jason Barlow.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource* 

• Bond Cars: The Definitive History, Jason Barlow (BBC Books, 2021)

*SpyCasts*

• The Real Ian Fleming with Nicholas Shakespeare (2024) 
• The James Bond Collector with Mike VanBlaricum (2024)
• Bond After Fleming, the Continuation of an Icon with Mark Edlitz (2023)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 1 of 2) (2023)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007 (Part 2 of 2) (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• A Complete List of James Bond Cars, J. Osborn, Man of Many (2023) [List of cars]
• Aston Martin DB5 and 007 - A Special Bond, Aston Martin, YouTube (2021) [1 min. video]
• Why are cars interesting anyway? R. Meester, Medium (2021) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Cars Mentioned

• Aston Martin DB5
• AMC Hornet
• Mustang Mach 1
• Lotus Esprit
• Aston Martin V8
• Toyota 2000GT
• Aston Martin V12 Vanquish 
• BMW 750iL

*Wildcard Resource*

• “Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz …”
• We’ve now firmly established that film can immortalize cars for decades to come. Well, it’s the same in music – Think “Little Red Corvette” by Prince, or “Ol’ 55” by Tom Waits. Perhaps one of the most iconic cars in music is Janis Joplin’s 1964 psychedelic Porsche, now remembered fondly through her 1971 song “Mercedes Benz.” 

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Summary

Laura Hicken (LinkedIn) and Lauren vonBechmann (LinkedIn) join Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the collection of the International Spy Museum. SPY’s collection consists of 10,000 espionage-related artifacts. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The ins and outs of getting into the museum field
• Why Museums?
• SPYs largest, smallest, and coolest artifacts
• The challenges of being a “spy” museum

Reflections

• Following your passions
• A dedication to lifelong learning and teaching 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“It's that ability to give accessibility to our audiences so that they can see like parts of history – So it's not only to preserve it, but it's so that people can see it as well. That's what we want to provide – A place for people to see the unseen.” – Lauren vonBechmann.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The James Bond Collector with Mike VanBlaricum (2024) 
• The Most Famous Art Detective in the World with ex-FBI Legend Robert Wittman (2023)
• Secrets Revealed – Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023)
• SPY@20 – “The Spy of the Century” – Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• A look at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C., FOX 5 Washington DC, YouTube (2023) [5 min. video]
• About the Collection, International Spy Museum (n.d.) [Short article]
• Collections Management, American Alliance of Museums (n.d.) [Short article] 

DEEPER DIVE

Artifacts

• James Bond's Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch (2021)
• Primo’s Bionic Eye (2021)
• Clock with Concealed Receiver (1970s) 
• Disguise Kit (1960s)
• Berlin Tunnel Segment (1954-1956)
• Four Rotor Enigma Machine (1943-1944)
• Sleeping Beauty Submersible (1943)
• George Washington Spy Letters (1777)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Here’s something many don’t know about the International Spy Museum: 
• On the side of our building, built in 2019, is a secret message written in binary code. Can You Crack the Code? 

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Summary

Dennis Eger (LinkedIn) and Shawn Nilius (LinkedIn) join Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss open-source intelligence. Combined, the two have over six decades of service to the U.S. Army. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• What is Open-Source Intelligence 
• How the US Army utilizes and collects OSINT 
• OSINT across the Intelligence Community
• How OSINT has impacted the War in Ukraine

Reflections

• The power of information and how you use it
• Cyber ethics

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“If [civilians are] taking a video and posting it, they become in the cycle … The amount of things that people do on the internet that leaves their data or their information out there – Their data becomes big part of the intelligence cycle and they probably don't even know that they're doing it.” – Dennis Eger.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• My Life in American Intelligence with Barry Zulauf (2023)
• Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)
• Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023)
• Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• A Brief History of the US Army, R. Guina, The Military Wallet (2024) [Short article]
• What is Open-Source Intelligence? OSINT Dojo, YouTube (2023) [7 min. video]
• A Brief History of Open Source Intelligence, C. Colquhoun, Bellingcat (2016) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• OSINT Techniques: Resources for Uncovering Online Information, M. Bazzell (2023) 
• Deep Dive: Exploring the Real-world Value of Open Source Intelligence, R. L. Baker (Wiley, 2023)
• Open Source Intelligence Methods and Tools: A Practical Guide to Online Intelligence, N. A. Hassan & R. Hijazi (Apress, 2018) 

Primary Sources 

• The IC OSINT Strategy (2024) 
• Invasion of Ukraine on Google Maps (2022)
• Ethical Frameworks in Open-Source Intelligence (2022) 
• Open-Source Intelligence, Department of the Army (2012) 
• Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (2004) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• While OSINT may seem like the new kid on the intelligence block, its foundations have actually been around perhaps longer than any other -INT.
• During the Civil War, the Bureau of Military Information collected open-source information from Southern newspapers to track the Confederate army. Check out this letter from Abraham Lincoln citing intelligence gathered on the location of Southern troops. 

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Summary

Andrew Hodges (Website, Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the life and work of Alan Turing. Andrew is an emeritus senior research fellow of mathematics at the University of Oxford. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Turing’s early foundations for artificial intelligence 
• Interwar cryptanalysis
• Bletchley Park, Hut 8, and British Naval Intelligence
• The mechanics of the Bombe machine

Reflections

• Legacy changing alongside social history
• The weight and pressure of genius 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Everything that you do with the digital, everything that we're doing now through these computers, flows from his perceptions. And that in turn came through his practical experience during the Second World War on breaking the enemy codes.” – Andrew Hodges .

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Real Ian Fleming with Nicholas Shakespeare (2024) 
• ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: “The D-Day Deception” – with National WWII Museum Curator Corey Graff (2023) 
• Hitler’s Trojan Horse – Nazi Intelligence with Nigel West (2023)
• How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• Alan Turing, B.J. Copeland, Britannica (2024) [Short biography]
• How Did the Enigma Machine Work? Science Museum Group, YouTube (2019) [2 min. video]
• How Alan Turing Cracked the Enigma Code, Imperial War Museum (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• The Codebreakers of Bletchley Park, J. D. Turing (Arcturus, 2020)
• Turing’s Vision: The Birth of Computer Science, C. Bernhardt (MIT Press, 2017)
• Alan Turing: The Enigma, A. Hodges (Burnett Books/Hutchinson, 1983)

Primary Sources 

• Alan Turing Obituary and Tributes (1954) 
• Can digital computers think? (1951)
• Computing Machinery and Intelligence (1950)
• Proposed electronic calculator (1946)
• Turing’s Treatise on the Enigma (1939-1942)
• On Computable Numbers (1936)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Alan Turing’s School Report Card
• Didn’t do very well in high school? Neither did Alan Turing. Amongst hopeful comments about his promising skills in mathematics, teachers noted Turing’s carelessness and severe lack of neatness in his work. 

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Summary

Simon Shuster (X, Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine. Simon is a senior correspondent at TIME. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Zelenskyy’s career pre-Presidency
• Reactions to the 2022 Russian invasion
• Ukrainian public opinion of Zelenskyy
• Zelenskyy’s relationship with Ukrainian intelligence 

Reflections

• Contagious courage 
• Leadership styles, techniques, and unique skills

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“In researching [Zelenskyy’s] transformations as a person from comedian to politician to wartime leader, I also thought a lot about what qualities have remained consistent in him. And one of them for sure is this kind of, “go get ‘em” confidence … He just has this abiding confidence in his own ability to think on his feet, to not lose his balance, to just go into a new and unfamiliar space or a set of challenges and wing it, so to say.” – Simon Schuster 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource* 

• The Showman : Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made a Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky, Simon Shuster (William Morrow, 2024)

*SpyCasts*

• David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023) 
• Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)
• Ukraine & the Alliance with NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Intelligence David Cattler (2023)
• Ukraine & Intelligence: One Year On with Shane Harris (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• What to know about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I. Pereira & P. Reevell, ABC News (2022) [Short article]
• A Brief History of Modern Ukraine, BBC, YouTube (2022) [3 min. video]
• Ukraine conflict: Simple visual guide to the Russian invasion, BBC (2022) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine's War of Independence, Y. Trofimov (Penguin Press, 2024) 
• Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine, D. Petraeus & A. Roberts (Harper, 2023) 
• The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine, S. Plokhy (Basic Books, 2021)

Primary Sources 

• All Intelligence Agencies of Our Partners are Informed of the Current Threats and Prospects – Address by the President (2024)
• Freedom must always prevail when challenged – speech by the President of Ukraine at the National Defense University of the United States (2023)
• Address by the President: Ukrainians are a symbol of invincibility (2022)
• Address by the President to Ukrainians at the end of the first day of Russia's attacks (2022) 
• Constitution of Ukraine (1996)
• Act of Declaration of the Independence of Ukraine (1991)
• Act of Proclamation of Ukrainian Statehood (1941)
• Ukrainian Proclamation of Independence (1917)

*Wildcard Resource*

• As Simon mentioned in this episode, President Zelenskyy won the Ukrainian version of one of Erin’s favorite shows, Dancing With The Stars, in 2006. 
• Watch some of his winning dances with partner Olena Shoptenko here. 

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Summary

Nicholas Shakespeare (X; Website) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the life and legacy of Ian Fleming. Nicholas is an award-winning novelist and biographer.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Fleming’s family and upbringing
• Debunking misconceptions about Fleming’s character
• Fleming’s career in intelligence
• British Naval Intelligence operations during WWII

Reflections

• Life influencing literature
• The lasting impact of storytelling

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Whatever the ingredients of Bond – As a kind of, both a hero of modernization, but also as a symbol of retrospective power – The films have allowed this protean creature to exist in the future, in the present, and so that almost all over the world, the words, the names “Bond, James Bond” will ignite a smile.” – Nicholas Shakespeare.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• Ian Fleming: The Complete Man, Nicholas Shakespeare (Harper, 2024)

*SpyCasts*

• Bond After Fleming, the Continuation of an Icon with Mark Edlitz (2024)
• The James Bond Collector with Mike VanBlaricum (2024)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 1 of 2 (2023)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 2 of 2 (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• Ian Fleming – Life Story, Short Biographies, YouTube (2023) [8 min. video]
• List of Books by Ian Fleming, Barnes and Noble (n.d.) [List of literary works]
• Ian Fleming Life Timeline, Ian Fleming Publications (n.d.) [Timeline]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Ian Fleming’s War: The Inspiration for 007, M. Simmons (Rare Bird Books, 2021)
• The Man with the Golden Typewriter: Ian Fleming's James Bond Letters, ed. F. Fleming (Bloomsbury, 2016) 
• The Life of Ian Fleming, J. Pearson (Jonathan Cape, 1966)

Primary Sources 

• Diana Rigg Obituary (2020)
• Ian Fleming about James Bond and himself (1964)
• Our Spy-Boss Who Loved Bond by Allen Dulles (1964)
• Allen Dulles and Ian Fleming (1964)
• Operation “Mincemeat” Brief (1943)
• Postagram Concerning Operation Mincemeat (1943)
• Valentine Fleming Eulogy by Winston Churchill (1917) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming (1990)
• A TV movie that stars Jason Connery as Ian Fleming. Jason Connery is the son of Sean Connery – the first actor to portray James Bond in film.

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Summary

John Blaxland (X, LinkedIn) and Clare Birgin (Wikipedia, LinkedIn) join Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss Australian codebreaking. John and Clare are coauthors of the new book Revealing Secrets. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The importance of SIGINT
• Codebreaking in Australian intelligence
• Australia’s role in WWII and the Cold War
• The advent and evolution of cyber 

Reflections

• Strategic defense and offense 
• The power, and danger, of communication

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

"What I've noticed with the Australians, and I think it's similar in the other the other Five Eyes countries, these people tend to be quite patriotic to do [Signals Intelligence]. They want to, they love their country, and it also seems to preserve very good qualities.” -Clare Birgin.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource* 

• Revealing Secrets: An unofficial history of Australian Signals intelligence and the advent of cyber, Clare Birgin and John Blaxland (University of New South Wales Press, 2023) 

*SpyCasts*

• I Helped Solve the Final Zodiac Killer Cipher with David Oranchak (2024)
• Australian National Day Special: Intelligence Down Under with John Blaxland (2024)
• My Father the Navajo Code-Talker with Laura Tohe (2023) 
• CYBER AUGUST: “So, You Want to Be a Codebreaker?” with Elonka Dunin and Klaus Schmeh (2021) 

*Beginner Resources*

• Australia's Involvement in WWII, Australian Broadcasting Service, YouTube (2020) [4 min. video]
• A short history of cyber espionage, D. O’Brien, Medium (2017) [Short article]
• Signals Intelligence (SINGINT) Overview, National Security Agency (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• WMD Report (2005) 
• The ANZUS Treaty (1951)
• Role and effectiveness of Signals Intelligence in World War II (1945)
• The Atlantic Charter (1941)
• The Zimmerman Telegram (1917)
• Oral History by Ruby Boye Jones (n.d.)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Here’s a challenge – For their 75th Anniversary in 2022, the Australian Signals Directorate released a limited edition coin with multiple layers of code to crack on both sides. 
• Think you can solve it? Check out the link above and test your code-cracking skills. 

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Summary

Diane Foley (Website, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the legacy of her son, James Foley. James was held hostage and murdered by ISIS in 2014. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The enduring legacy of James’ murder
• James’ time in captivity in Libya 
• A mother’s experience communicating with her son’s captors
• How hostage recovery efforts have evolved since 2014

Reflections

• Grief turned into action
• Forgiveness, empathy, and resilience 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“[Jim] could have been teaching or doing so many things, writing … but he just felt those stories were essential. And it really made me realize and recognize the courage of our current journalists going into Ukraine or Gaza. We wouldn't have any idea what's happening in that part of the world without those folks who dare to be there and dare to find ways to tell that story and bring it back to us.” – Diane Foley.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• American Mother, Colum McCann and Diane Foley (Etruscan Press, 2024)

*SpyCasts*

• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)
• My Life Looking at Spies & the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022) 
• ISIS Leader al-Mawla: Caliph. Scholar. Canary. Snitch. with Daniel Milton, West Point CTC Director (Part 1 of 2) (2022)
• ISIS Leader al-Mawla: Caliph. Scholar. Canary. Snitch. with Daniel Milton, West Point CTC Director (Part 2 of 2) (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• Syria: Seven Years of War Explained, BBC News, YouTube (2018) [5 min. video]
• FACT SHEET: U.S. Government Hostage Policy, Office of the Press Secretary (2015) [Short brief]
• Jim’s Story, James W. Foley Legacy Foundation (n.d.) [Background on James Foley]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• The Isis Hostage, P. Damsgard (Pegasus Books, 2017)
• Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, J. Warrick (Anchor, 2016)
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, C. Voss & T. Raz (Harper Business, 2016)

Primary Sources 

• A Proclamation on U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day (2024)
• Executive Order on Bolstering Efforts to Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home (2022) 
• FBI Hostage Rescue Team Policy Guide (2019) 
• Report on U.S. Hostage Policy (2015)
• Murder of James Foley Press Statement (2014)
• Hostage Negotiation: A Matter of Life and Death (1983) 
• Current Status of the Hostage Crisis and the Implications of US Policy Options (1980) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando and Dawn (1973)
• This song was a #1 hit when it was originally released in 1973. Six years later, the song resurged and gained even more popularity during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. The song became an unofficial hostage recovery anthem, as the lyrics poignantly hint to welcoming a loved one home from captivity. 

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Summary

Avi Loeb (Harvard Biography, Wikipedia) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in outer space. He is a Professor in the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The Galileo Project & its goals
• The Intelligence Community and Outer Space
• Government positions on the existence of extraterrestrial life
• Connections between intelligence and astrophysics

Reflections

• The enormity of our universe
• Evidence over opinion or speculation

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“And my hope is that realizing that we have a smart neighbor that we can learn from would convince us to change our priorities from fighting over territories on this small piece of rock, trying to kill each other, to something more noble, just looking up and having bigger aspirations because there is so much more real estate out there than you find here on Earth.” – Avi Loeb.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars, Avi Loeb (Mariner Books, 2023) 

*SpyCasts*

• I Helped Solve the Final Zodiac Killer Cipher with David Oranchak (2024)
• The 18-Year-Old Soviet Spy on the Manhattan Project: Ted Hall with Director Steve James (2023)
• Espionage and the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl (2023)
• The Information Battlespace – Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• What is Astrophysics? A. Belter, Space (2022) [Short article]
• What You Need to Know About Astrobiology - The Search for Life in the Universe! NASA, YouTube (2020) [2 min. video] 
• Glossary of astronomical terms, International Comet Quarterly (n.d.) [Glossary]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• In Plain Sight: An Investigation into UFOs and Impossible Science, R. Coulthart (HarperCollins, 2023) 
• Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth, A. Loeb (Mariner Books, 2022)
• Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, N. deGrasse Tyson (W. W. Norton & Company, 2017) 

Primary Sources 

• Report on the Historical Record of U.S. Government Involvement with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (2024) 
• Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (2021)
• UFO Files: The Untold Story (1979) 
• Space tests branded as propaganda (1964)
• People Are Talking About … Little Green Men (1964)
• Unidentified Flying Objects: Writer Says They’re a Dangerous Problem (1954) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• This week, our recommended music accompaniment to this episode is, of course, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie.
• This 1972 album, a classic example of the Glam Rock and early Punk era, includes the single “Starman,” which Andrew mentions in this episode. 

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Summary

Angie Gad (LinkedIn, Website) joined Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss her career in intelligence analysis. Angie is a first-generation Egyptian-American. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The role of state fusion centers to national intelligence
• How counterterrorism analysis evolved after 9/11
• The connections between ISIS and Far Right Extremists
• The mental health implications of counterterrorism 

Reflections

• The importance of diversity of thought and experience
• Personal identity in professional life

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I think that's what drives me as an analyst. I love to understand why extremists do what they do, what leads them, what are the motivators and the driving force behind their actions and their thoughts and their radicalization.” – Angie Gad.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Telling Americans About China (and Intelligence) with Sara Castro (2024)
• The Eye of Horus: Egyptian Intelligence with Dina Rezk (2023)
• Leader, Lecturer, Analyzer, Nerd with Jorhena Thomas (2023)
• The Counterterrorism and Counter WMD Strategist with Dexter Ingram (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Is Counterterrorism? National Museum of American Diplomacy, YouTube (2023) [5 min. video]
• What is Intelligence Analysis and Why is It So Important? National American University (2020) [Short article]
• Role of Fusion Centers, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (n.d.) [Short brief] 

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Compassionate Counterterrorism: The Power of Inclusion In Fighting Fundamentalism, L. Al Olaimy (Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2019) 
• Black Flags: Rise of ISIS, J. Warrick (Doubleday, 2015)
• Reducing Uncertainty: Intelligence Analysis & National Security, T. Fingar (SUP, 2011)

Primary Sources 

• United States of America v. Ammon BUNDY, Jon RITZHEIMER, Joseph O'SHAUGHNESSY, Ryan PAYNE, Ryan BUNDY, Brian CAVALIER, Shawna COX, Peter SANTILLI (2016)
• National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan (2013) 
• Progress Made and Work Remaining in Implementing Homeland Security Missions 10 Years after 9/11 (2011)
• Empowering Local Partners to Prevent Violent Extremism in the United States (2011) 
• 9/11 Commission Report (2004) 
• Targets of Suspicion: The Impact of Post-9/11 Policies on Muslims, Arabs and South Asians in the United States (2004)
• American Psyche Reeling From Terror Attacks (2001)

*Wildcard Resource*

• The Rosetta Stone was originally found in the Nile Delta of Egypt in 1799. The priceless piece of human linguistic history has been on display at the British Museum since 1802. 
• The question of the potential repatriation of the Rosetta Stone back to Egypt is one of the most highly discussed topics in the museum field today. Read more about the Egyptian campaign to reclaim their ancient artifacts here.  

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Summary

Mark Stout (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book, World War I and the Foundations of American Intelligence. Mark Stout is a former intelligence analyst and former SPY Historian. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The first American intelligence “agencies”
• Codebreaking during WWI
• The American Protective League and spy paranoia 
• WWI’s effect on American culture and politics

Reflections

• Challenging common historical thought 
• Studying the “forgotten” wars 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“[After World War I] there will never be a time again when the United States won't have squadrons in the Army Air Corps, later the U. S. Air Force, and similarly the Navy. We would never again be without aerial reconnaissance squadrons. There would never again be a time when the United States didn't have at least one code-breaking organization.” – Mark Stout.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource* 

• World War I and the Foundations of American Intelligence, Mark Stout (University Press of Kansas, 2023) 

*SpyCasts*

• Rise of Devils: The Origins of Modern Terrorism with James Crossland (2024)
• Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East vs. West with Calder Walton (2023)
• The Lion and the Fox – Civil War Spy vs. Spy with Alexander Rose (2023) 
• The Birth of American Propaganda – A Conversation on Manipulating the Masses with John Hamilton (2021)

*Beginner Resources*

• World War I, Explained in 5 Minutes! YouTube (2023) [5 min. video]
• The Journey of the Intelligence Community, M. Thomas, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (2023) [Timeline of the US IC]
• The United States in the First World War, National Park Service (2021) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Manipulating the Masses: Woodrow Wilson and the Birth of American Propaganda, J. M. Hamilton (LSU Press, 2020)
• Codes, Ciphers and Spies: Tales of Military Intelligence in World War I, J. F. Dooley (Copernicus, 2016)
• The Zimmermann Telegram: Intelligence, Diplomacy, and America's Entry into World War I, T. Boghardt (Naval Institute Press, 2012) 

Primary Sources 

• Treaty of Versailles (1919)
• Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points Speech (1918)
• Telegram Announcing Armistice (1918)
• Sedition Act (1918)
• The Zimmermann Telegram (1917)
• Espionage Act (1917) 
• Woodrow Wilson Third Annual Message, Warns of Espionage (1915) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• 12 Step Method to Reveal Secret Writing (ca. 1913-1924) 
• Germany was particularly fond of invisible ink as a tactic of spycraft during World War I. If you came across a document suspected of secret writing, you might use these 12 steps to reveal the hidden message …  

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Summary

Andrew Hampton joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in New Zealand. Andrew is the Director General of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The New Zealand Intelligence Community
• How geography effects national security
• The lasting impact of the Christchurch Mosque attacks
• New Zealand’s relationship with China

Reflections

• The power of community organization
• The nuanced nature of global politics

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I think for a long time there was a view that our geographical isolation protected us from a range of national security threats. But unfortunately, in the current world, geostrategic competition is playing out in our region. Going back to my old role, you’re only one click away from a cyber-attack … This and misinformation and violent extremism are permeating the whole world. ” – Andrew Hampton.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• CIA Director, Defense Secretary, Gentleman with Leon Panetta (2024)
• Australian National Day Special: Intelligence Down Under with John Blaxland (2024) 
• SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America (2022)
• Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Is The Five Eyes Alliance? K. Haan, Forbes [Short Article]
• A Brief History of New Zealand, Live and Work New Zealand (2022) [Short article]
• Why Isn't New Zealand a Part of Australia? History Matters, YouTube (2020) [3 min. video]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Voyagers: The Settlement of the Pacific, Nicholas Thomas (Basic Books, 2021) 
• Pacific Century: The Emergence of Modern Pacific Asia, Mark Borthwick (Routledge, 2013)
• The Penguin History of New Zealand, Michael King (Penguin Books, 2003) 

Primary Sources 

• He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni – the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (1835)
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi — the Treaty of Waitangi (1840) 
• New Zealand Security Intelligence Service Act (1969) 
• Intelligence and Security Committee Act (1996) 
• Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act (1996)
• Government Communications Security Bureau Act (2003) 
• Intelligence and Security Act (2017)

*Wildcard Resource*

• The Women’s Suffrage Petition - Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine
• In 1893, this document gave all women in New Zealand the right to vote in general elections – Making New Zealand the first country in the world to enact universal women’s suffrage!

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Summary

David Oranchak (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his work helping to solve the 340 Zodiac cipher. Dave is a software developer and avid puzzle solver. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The difference between codes and ciphers
• The cryptological methods used by the Zodiac killer 
• The history of cryptography and its importance to intelligence
• How Dave and his team cracked the 340 Cipher

Reflections

• Persistence and dedication
• Average citizens as avid participants 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“It felt like we had gotten a brand new letter from the Zodiac Killer. You know, the case had been dormant for so long … We started to see the message coming through, it was like he was back to life so to speak, he was talking to us again after so many years of not saying anything. So that was kind of eerie to kind of hear the voice of a serial killer.” – David Oranchak.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• My Father the Navajo Code-Talker with Laura Tohe (2023) 
• Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023) 
• El Chapo, the Sinaloa Cartel & Intelligence with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz (2022) 
• CYBER AUGUST: “So, You Want to Be a Codebreaker?” with Elonka Dunin and Klaus Schmeh (2021) 

*Beginner Resources*

• A brief history of cryptography: Sending secret messages throughout time, J. Schneider, IBM (2024) [Short article]
• What is the Difference Between a Code and a Cipher? Mysterious Writings (2018) [Short Article]
• Infamous Killers: The Zodiac Killer, A&E, YouTube (2017) [5 min. video]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Zodiac: The Shocking True Story of the Hunt for the Nation's Most Elusive Serial Killer, R. Graysmith (Berkley, 2007) 
• The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography, S. Singh (Anchor, 2000)
• The Codebreakers: The Comprehensive History of Secret Communication from Ancient Times to the Internet, D. Kahn (Scribner, 1996) 

Primary Sources 

• The Zodiac Killer FBI Case File (1969) 
• San Francisco Zodiac Letter (1969) 
• San Francisco Suspect Sketches (1969)
• Zodiac’s 408 Cipher (1969) 
• Zodiac’s 340 Cipher (1969) 
• The Beale Papers (1885)
• The Dorabella Cipher (1897)
• Voynich Manuscript (ca. 1401-1599) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• If you’re an amateur codebreaker and you feel inspired by this episode, try your hand at cryptanalysis with this FBI-created dot code. Erin tried, but could not begin to crack it – She’ll stick to podcasting. 

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Summary

Mark Edlitz (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss how James Bond lived on in literature after the death of Ian Fleming. Mark is an author and pop culture expert. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The original Fleming novels
• Intellectual property and author’s rights to iconic characters
• The evolution of Bond as a literary character 
• The relationship between the Bond books and the Bond movies

Reflections

• Can icons ever truly die?
• Just how malleable are our favorite characters?

And much, much more …

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• James Bond After Fleming: The Continuation Novels, Mark Edlitz (2023)

*SpyCasts*

• The James Bond Collector with Mike VanBlaricum (2024)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 1 of 2 (2023)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 2 of 2 (2023)
• My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• James Bond Books: The Continuation Novels, D. Leigh, The James Bond Dossier (2024) [Short biographies of each continuation author]
• Ian Fleming – Life Story, Short Biographies, YouTube (2023) [8 min. video]
• Can I do a sequel to someone else's book or movie? Miller IP Law (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Bond, James Bond: Exploring the Shaken and Stirred History of Ian Fleming’s 007, B. Gilmore & M. Kalinowski (Mango, 2022)
• The Many Lives of James Bond: How the Creators of 007 Have Decoded the Superspy, M. Edlitz (Lyons Press, 2019)
• James Bond: The Evolution of the World's Most Famous Spy, A. Geiger (CompanionHouse Books, 2016) 

Primary Sources 

• An Interview with Raymond Benson (2023)
• License Renewed: Interview with John Gardner (1994)
• Gardner Assumes Ian Fleming's Pen To Keep James Bond Alive (1988)
• An Interview with Kingsley Amis (1975) 
• Allen Dulles and Ian Fleming (1964) 
• Books of the Times (1963) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• James Bond is a fantastically well-known character, but he is not technically in the public domain. Characters that do exist in the public domain include Count Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, Sherlock Holmes, and Robin Hood. 
• Studying the origins of these characters is fascinating. Take Robin Hood, for example – The first written mention of the heroic outlaw comes from the poem “The Vision of Piers Plowman” by William Langland, written in 1380. That’s 593 years before Disney’s classic adaptation of the story! 

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Summary

Mark Zaid (X, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss American intelligence and the law. You’ve heard of a “lawyer to the stars,” Mark is the “lawyer to the spies”

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The quirks of being a lawyer in this space
• How the Espionage Act works in practice 
• The trial of the Rosenbergs
• The origins of FOIA and its purpose
• The Legal foundations underpinning espionage and intelligence

Reflections

• Challenging authority 
• The delicate balance of secrecy

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I still love working every day, 30 years later, because there's still something new. As much as I fight for declassification and transparency, I will at times also see information and learn of events where I go, “Oh, I get it. Yeah, that stuff cannot be known. That's incredible what we did. That's pretty wild.” – Mark Zaid.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Agent of Betrayal, FBI Spy Robert Hanssen with CBS’ Major Garrett and Friends (2023)
• David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023)
• Havana Syndrome – A Panel featuring Nicky Woolf, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Mark Zaid (2023) 
• How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023) 

*Beginner Resources*

• What Is a Whistleblower? Protections, Law, Importance, and Example, W. Kenton, Investopedia (2022) [Short article]
• What is a Lawyer? American Bar Association (2019) [Short article]
• Legal System Basics, CrashCourse, YouTube (2015) [8 min. video]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• State of Silence: The Espionage Act and the Rise of America's Secrecy Regime, S. Lebovic (Basic Books, 2023)
• Ethel Rosenberg, A. Sebba (Griffin, 2022)
• Spies on Trial: True Tales of Espionage in the Courtroom, C. C. Kuhne (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2019)

Primary Sources 

• A Letter from Aldrich Ames on Polygraph Testing (2000)
• Whistle Blower Protection Act (1989)  
• DoD Polygraph Program (1984)
• National Security Decision Directive 84 (1983)
• Inspector General Act (1978)
• Freedom of Information Act (1966) 
• Administrative Procedure Act (1946) 
• Espionage Act (1917)

*Wildcard Resource*

• John Adams, a 2008 HBO Mini-Series chronicling the Founding Father’s role in early America
• John Adams, much like Mark, was a lawyer dedicated to the right to representation. Adams, ever dedicated to the honor of his profession, was the only attorney who agreed to defend the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. You can read the whole trial here. 

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Summary

Dr. Sara Castro (LinkedIn, Bio) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the history of US-China diplomacy. Sara is an Associate Professor of History at the United States Air Force Academy. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The Dixie Mission 
• The history of US-China relations dating back to the Opium Wars
• China’s involvement with the OSS during WWII
• How Mao Zedong & Chiang Kai-shek built modern China

Reflections

• Understanding and empathy
• Knowledge is power 

And much, much more …

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• Mission to Mao: US Intelligence in China during World War II, Sara B. Castro, (Georgetown University Press, 2024) 

*SpyCasts*

• Making Sense of China, Taiwan, & America Pacific Intelligence with Bonny Lin (2023)
• China’s Corporate Spy War with CNBC’s Eamon Javers (2023)
• Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• Beyond the Balloon: The Complicated History Behind US-China Relations, Voice of America, YouTube (2023) [8 min. video]
• China’s Overlooked Role in World War II, C. Klein, The History Channel (2022) [Short article]
• Secret Agents, Secret Armies: The Short Happy Life of the OSS, The National World War II Museum (2020) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Spies and Lies: How China's Greatest Covert Operations Fooled the World, A. Joske (Hardie Grant, 2022) 
• The Hundred-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, M. Pillsbury (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016) 
• Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937–1945, R. Mitter (Mariner Books, 2013)

Primary Sources 

• Dixie Mission Remembered in Beijing (2004)
• U.S.-PRC Political Negotiations, 1967-1984 (1985)
• CIA Intelligence Report: Mao’s “Cultural Revolution” (1967)
• War Report: Office of Strategic Services: Operations in the Field (1949) 
• Madame Chiang Kai-Shek Address to the U.S. House of Representatives (1943)
• Treaty Of Tianjin (1858)
• Treaty Of Wangxia (1844) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• After the signing of the SACO Treaty in 1942, Chinese spymaster Dai Li took command of the US-China intelligence cooperation during World War II. 
• Six decades later in 2005, Nickelodeon premiered the now immensely popular American anime series Avatar: The Last Airbender. In the series, the elite secret police agency of fictional capital city Ba Sing Se are appropriately named, The Dai Li. 

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Summary

Mike VanBlaricum (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his journey as a James Bond fanatic and collector. Mike is the President of the Ian Fleming Foundation.

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• How Mike became an obsessive James Bond collector with 10,000 artifacts
• Mike’s favorite Bond cars, movies, and books
• How From Russia with Love was one of John F Kennedy’s favorite books
• Mike’s tips on the best place to start if you want to read the Bond novels

Reflections

• The passion of a collector
• Pop culture influencing the “real” world

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I've always been fascinated about the study of creativity. And so, between wanting to understand spy craft and that whole human side as well as creativity, creativity like Fleming – How one person can change popular culture, you know, ultimately, something that came out of his mind can change popular culture is just fascinating to me.” – Mike VanBlaricum

Resources

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 1 of 2 (2023)
• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007, Part 2 of 2 (2023)
• CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022)
• My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• How to Watch All the James Bond 007 Movies in Order, P. Saperstein, Variety (2023) [Short article]
• Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum! International Spy Museum (2024) [2 min. video]
• Ian Fleming Life Timeline, Ian Fleming Publications (n.d.) [Timeline]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming + James Bond, B. Macintyre (Bloomsbury USA, 2008)
• Licence to Thrill: A Cultural History of the James Bond Films, J. Chapman (I.B. Tauris, 2008)
• Ian Fleming, A. Lycett (St. Martin’s Press, 1995)

Primary Sources 

• FBI Targeted a Fictional Spy (1980)
• E. Germany Brands 007 As ‘Fascist’ (1965)
• Memorandum For the Record from Marshall S. Carter (1964)
• Our Spy-Boss Who Loved Bond by Allen Dulles (1964)
• A Spy’s Spy, a Knight vs. Dragon – That Was the Image of James Bond (1964)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Who’s The Deadliest Bond? Pierce Brosnan – And by a high margin! Brosnan’s 007 had an average of 27 kills per movie. His runner-up, Roger Moore, clocked in an average of 16.6.

o Read the stats by movie here. License to Kill indeed...

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Summary

Dr. Ursula Wilder (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the intersections between psychology and intelligence. Ursula is a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working at the Central Intelligence Agency. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• How psychology can be useful to national security
• Historical examples of leadership analysis 
• Leadership personality assessments & the Cuban Missile Crisis
• Psychoanalytic theory and espionage 

Reflections

• Human nature throughout history
• History repeating itself 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Together, these documents are quite powerful. The psych assessments are very, very carefully, tightly held and are classified at a high level. Every intelligence officer has this fantasy about seeing the file that's kept on them by the opponents.” – Dr. Ursula Wilder.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Agent of Betrayal, FBI Spy Robert Hanssen with CBS’ Major Garrett and Friends (2023)
• The North Korean Defector with Former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo (2023)
• SPY@20 – “The Spy of the Century” with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022)
• “How Spies Think” – 10 Lessons in Intelligence with Sir David Omand (2020)

*Beginner Resources*

• What is Psychoanalysis? Institute of Psychoanalysis, YouTube (2011) [3 min. video]
• Psychologists in the CIA, American Psychological Association (2002) [Short article]
• 7 Reasons to Study Psychology, University of Toronto (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Freud and Beyond, S. A. Mitchell (Basic Books, 2016)
• Narcissism and Politics: Dreams of Glory, J. M. Post (Cambridge University Press, 2014)
• The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, E. Hoffer (Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2010) 
• Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, D. K. Goodwin (Simon & Schuster, 2004)
• Leaders, Fools, and Impostors: Essays on the Psychology of Leadership, M. F. R. Kets de Vries (iUniverse, 2003) 

Primary Sources 

• Charles de Gaulle to Pamela Digby Churchill (1942) 
• Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat (1940)
• Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant (1885)
• Gettysburg Address (1863) 
• House Divided Speech (1858)
• Excerpt on Cleopatra from Plutarch's Life of Julius Caesar (ca. 2nd century AD)
• Plutarch’s The Life of Alexander (ca. 2nd century AD) 
• Appian’s The Civil Wars (ca. 2nd century AD) 
• Virgil’s The Aeneid (19 B.C.E) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• On Dreams by Sigmund Freud (1901)
• In this simplified version of the father of psychoanalysis’ seminal book The Interpretation of Dreams, you can get a small taste for Freudian philosophy. Freud believed that dreams were a reflection of the subconscious mind and that studying a person’s dreams can elucidate their inner wants and needs. What are your dreams telling you? 

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Summary

Dr. Ursula Wilder (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the intersections between psychology and intelligence. Ursula is a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience working at the Central Intelligence Agency. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• How psychology can be useful to national security
• Historical examples of leadership analysis 
• Leadership personality assessments & the Cuban Missile Crisis
• Psychoanalytic theory and espionage 

Reflections

• Human nature throughout history
• History repeating itself 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“Together, these documents are quite powerful. The psych assessments are very, very carefully, tightly held and are classified at a high level. Every intelligence officer has this fantasy about seeing the file that's kept on them by the opponents.”

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Agent of Betrayal, FBI Spy Robert Hanssen with CBS’ Major Garrett and Friends (2023)
• The North Korean Defector with Former DPRK Agent Kim, Hyun Woo (2023)
• SPY@20 – “The Spy of the Century” with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022)
• “How Spies Think” – 10 Lessons in Intelligence with Sir David Omand (2020)

*Beginner Resources*

• What is Psychoanalysis? Institute of Psychoanalysis, YouTube (2011) [3 min. video]
• Psychologists in the CIA, American Psychological Association (2002) [Short article]
• 7 Reasons to Study Psychology, University of Toronto (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Freud and Beyond, S. A. Mitchell (Basic Books, 2016)
• Narcissism and Politics: Dreams of Glory, J. M. Post (Cambridge University Press, 2014)
• The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, E. Hoffer (Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2010) 
• Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, D. K. Goodwin (Simon & Schuster, 2004)
• Leaders, Fools, and Impostors: Essays on the Psychology of Leadership, M. F. R. Kets de Vries (iUniverse, 2003) 

Primary Sources 

• Charles de Gaulle to Pamela Digby Churchill (1942) 
• Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat (1940)
• Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant (1885)
• Gettysburg Address (1863) 
• House Divided Speech (1858)
• Excerpt on Cleopatra from Plutarch's Life of Julius Caesar (ca. 2nd century AD)
• Plutarch’s The Life of Alexander (ca. 2nd century AD) 
• Appian’s The Civil Wars (ca. 2nd century AD) 
• Virgil’s The Aeneid (19 B.C.E) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• On Dreams by Sigmund Freud (1901)
• In this simplified version of the father of psychoanalysis’ seminal book The Interpretation of Dreams, you can get a small taste for Freudian philosophy. Freud believed that dreams were a reflection of the subconscious mind and that studying a person’s dreams can elucidate their inner wants and needs. What are your dreams telling you? 

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Summary

Leon Panetta (Panetta Institute) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his lifetime of American public service. Secretary Panetta was the 2023 recipient of SPY’s William H. Webster Award. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Directing the Central Intelligence Agency
• Intelligence & the Abbottabad Raid
• Working within the Clinton Administration 
• A life’s dedication to the safety of the American public

Reflections

• The power of patience and the ability to listen
• Handing immense pressure and responsibility

And much, much more …

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• My Life in American Intelligence with Barry Zulauf (2023)
• David Petraeus on Ukraine & Intelligence with the former CIA Director & 4* General (2023)
• Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy with Michael Vickers (2023)
• The 75th Anniversary of the CIA with former Director Robert Gates (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Does the Secretary of Defense Do? MasterClass (2022) [Short article]
• How did the US find and kill Osama bin Laden? 60 Minutes Australia, YouTube (2018) [4 min. video]
• Leon E. Panetta, Panetta Institute for Public Policy (n.d.) [Short biography]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• The Spymasters: How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future, C. Whipple (Scribner, 2021)
• The Gatekeepers: How the White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency, C. Whipple (Crown, 2018) 
• Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace, L. Panetta & J. Newton (Penguin Books, 2014)
• SECDEF: The Nearly Impossible Job of Secretary of Defense, C. A. Stevenson (Potomac Books, 2007) 

Primary Sources 

• Statement on Syria before the Senate Armed Services Committee (2012)
• Nomination of Hon. Leon E. Panetta to be Secretary of Defense (2011) 
• Statement to Employees by CIA Director Leon Panetta on the Death of Usama Bin Ladin (2011) 
• Nomination of Leon Panetta to be Director, Central Intelligence Agency (2009)
• Memorandum for Leon Panetta on POTUS’ Time Investment (1996)
• Letter from Brown to Panetta Regarding Fiscal Year 1994-1997 (1993)
• Letter to the Honorable Leon E. Panetta from George Bush (1977)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Secretary Panetta now lives on a lovely vineyard in sunny California. Speaking of wine and spies, check out Vint Hill Winery in Warrenton, Virginia. 
• In 1942 the US Army set up top-secret SIGINT operations at the now-vineyard after the farm’s owner, a Ham Radio enthusiast, set up a wire on the roof of the barn that could reach signals from Berlin. The farm was the site of The Signal Corps cryptographic school, which famously intercepted messages from Hiroshi Oshima in 1943. 

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Summary

Rory Cormac (X) and Richard Aldrich join Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence and the British Monarchy. The links between the royals and espionage prove the Crown to be far more than just a figurehead.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Prince William’s internship with British Intelligence
• How Elizabeth II knew perhaps more secrets that anyone else in history
• King Charles' love of intelligence  
• Queen Victoria as Spymaster
• MI5, MI6, and the Diana conspiracies

Reflections

• Secrets within secrets 
• Power and knowledge

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

 ”What struck me the most was how much access Queen Elizabeth II had, how much she knew … And I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that she probably knew more state secrets than any human being who has ever walked the history of the earth, because she had access to everything for 70 odd years.” – Rory Cormac 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

• Crown, Cloak, and Dagger: The British Monarchy and Secret Intelligence from Victoria to Elizabeth II, R. Cormac & R. J. Aldrich (Georgetown University Press, 2023) 

*SpyCasts*

• Rise of Devils: The Origins of Modern Terrorism with James Crossland (2024)
• British Defence Attaché, U.S.A. with Rear Admiral Tim Woods (2023)
• St. Ermin’s Hotel, London: The History of a Legendary Spy Site with Stephen Duffy (2023) 
• Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• UK Royal Family: What does the King do? Jennifer Clarke, BBC (2024) [Short article]
• An Average Day in the Life of Queen Elizabeth II, The Infographics Show, YouTube (2020) [9 min. video]
• Kings and Queens of England & Britain, Ben Johnson, Historic UK (n.d.) [Brief bios of all Monarchs]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• Operation Paget Report (2006)
• CIA Confirms Official Met With LaRouche (1984)
• Anthony Blunt, 75, Dies; Was Soviet Spy in Britain (1983)
• More Cloak Than Dagger – An 18th Century Spy (1965)
• The Queen Delivering her speech to the House of Lords (1838)
• Popay the Spy Political Cartoon (1833) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Have a sweet tooth? So did many queens. Several delectable desserts have been named by or for British royals. Try these recipes: 
• Victoria Sponge, named for Queen Victoria’s favorite afternoon tea accompaniment
• Charlotte Cake, supposedly named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
• Queen Elizabeth Cake, first published in the 1953 Coronation Cook Book and served at Elizabeth II’s coronation 

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Summary

Curators Alexis (LinkedIn) and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) use James Bond artifacts in SPY’s collection to discuss all things 007. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Ian Fleming novel, Casino Royale. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Bond vs. Real Life Spies
• The birth of James Bond 
• Ian Fleming’s intelligence past
• Bond and MI6

Reflections

• What makes a character timeless?
• Pop culture mirroring real life

And much, much more …

*FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*

Episode Notes

This week on SpyCast, curators Andrew and Alexis join forces to put the past 70 years of Bond into historical perspective. To help frame their conversation, our collections team brought out a fantastic selection of Bond artifacts for Andrew and Alexis to interact with during the recording of this episode. 

Quotes of the Week

“I think in general the spy genre always has to have one foot, often two, in the real world. It's part of what makes that genre appealing and not science fiction. It takes place in the real world. And whether that is, you know, some of the technology or real-world threats, it has to be relatable and recognizable in that sense.” – Alexis Albion.

*FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCast’s*

• Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)
• Secrets Revealed with Curators Alexis and Andrew on SPY’s Pop-Up Exhibit (2023)
• CIA Officers Turned Authors with David McCloskey and James Stejskal (2022)
• The Spy of the Century with Curators Alexis and Andrew on Kim Philby (2022)
• My Life Looking at Spies and the Media with Paul Lashmar (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• MI6 History & Facts, Encyclopedia Britannica (2022) [Brief history of MI6]
• The Evolution of James Bond, Fandom Entertainment, YouTube (2021) [15 min. video]
• Ian Fleming, Famous Authors (n.d.) [Short biography]

*FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*

Primary Sources 

• Primos Bionic Eye, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021)
• James Bond’s Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch, Collection of the International Spy Museum (2021) 
• 007 Fragrance Commercial, YouTube (1965)
• James Bond Action Pak Toy Commercial, American Character, YouTube (1964)
• Aston Martin DB5, Collection of the International Spy Museum (1964)
• The Zimmermann Telegram, National Archives (1917) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Everyone has a favorite James Bond theme song. If you just can’t choose just one, check out The Ultimate James Bond Medley – A production from Alchemistic Records featuring all 25 Bond songs.  

*FULL SHOWNOTES & FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE*

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Summary

John Blaxland (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss intelligence in Australia and Oceania. John is a widely recognized as a leading expert in this area. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

-Australia’s Intelligence Community 

-SIGINT in Australia during WWII 

-Australia’s relationship with South Asia

-The Pine Gap facility 

Reflections

-The implications of geography

-The power of collaboration

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“The shift from the analog to the digital world … The shift for digital espionage, digital footprint management. How do you hide in the noise? How do you cover your identity? How do you protect your identity? … The digital revolution has actually enabled states to exercise a lot more power, a lot more control, a lot more monitoring, a lot more surveillance, a lot more interference.” – John Blaxland.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource*

-Revealing Secrets: An unofficial history of Australian Signals intelligence and the advent of cyber, C. Birgin & J. Blaxland (University of New South Wales Press, 2023)

*SpyCasts*

-SPY CHIEFS: Director-General of Security Mike Burgess - ASIO, Australia & America (2022)

-Keeping Secrets/Disclosing Secrets with Spy Chief turned DG of Australia’s National Archives David Fricker (2022)

-Desperately, Madly in Love – Brett Peppler and the Australian IC (2021)

*Beginner Resources*

-East Timor Independence: a short history of a long and brutal struggle, Guardian Australia, YouTube (2019) [4 min. video]

-Our Agencies, National Intelligence Community of Australia (n.d.) [Overview of each agency in the Australian IC]

-What is signals intelligence?, BAE Systems (n.d.) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

-Spies & Sparrows: ASIO & the Cold War, P. Deery (Melbourne University Press, 2022)

-Australia's First Spies: The Remarkable Story of Australia's Intelligence Operations, 1901-45, J. Fahey (Allen & Unwin, 2019)

-The Official History of ASIO – 3 Volumes, D. Horner, J. Blaxland, R. Crawley (Allen & Unwin, 2014/2015/2016)

Primary Sources 

-United Nations Resolution 1272 (1999)

-United Nations Resolution 1264 (1999) 

-Five Power Defence Arrangements (1971) 

-Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Government of the United States of America relating to the Establishment of a Joint Defence Space Research Facility (1966) 

-6 Wireless Unit signal sighting of Allied shipping (1945) 

-Role and effectiveness of Signals Intelligence in World War II (1945)

-Four Rotor Enigma Machine, Collection of the International Spy Museum (1943-1944) 

*Wildcard Resource*

-Pine Gap 

A TV show about the top-secret satellite surveillance base of the same name. If you’ve seen it, you know it all about Australian Intelligence. Just kidding. But it’s a good watch! 

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Summary

James Crossland (Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the origins of modern terrorism. James is an expert on terrorism, intelligence, and propaganda.

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

-The origins of modern terrorism 

-19th century spymasters 

-Covert action and assassinations

-Intelligence as a weapon

Reflections

-Philosophy and ideology’s effect on history

-The power of fear

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“These waves of repression that feed into discontent and create more radical strains of discontent, that is a process that's really observable during this period. The reason why I think this is the first real age of terrorism is because you have all this stuff coming together: Communications that you need to promote terrorist activities to gain the attention you need, societal discontent, dangerous ideas … and it's all moving around together as part of the same process.” – James Crossland. 

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Spotlight Resource* 

-The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism, J. Crossland (Manchester University Press, 2023) 

*SpyCasts*

-Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023)

-St. Ermin’s Hotel, London – The History of a Legendary Spy Site, with Stephen Duffy (2023)

-Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)

-The Lion and the Fox – Civil War Spy vs. Spy with Alexander Rose (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

-Terrorism, J. P. Jenkins, Encyclopaedia Brittanica (2023) [Short article / definition]

-What Were The Most Important Events of the 19th Century?, C. Seaver, History Defined (2022) [Short article]

-Marxism in Under 5 Minutes, Theory in 5, YouTube (2020) [3 min. video] 

DEEPER DIVE

Books

-Sofia Perovskaya, Terrorist Princess: The Plot to Kill Tsar Alexander II and the Woman Who Led It, R. R. Riggs (Global Harmony Press Inc., 2018)

-The Pursuit of Power: Europe 1815-1914, R. J. Evans (Penguin Books, 2017) 

-Blood and Rage: A Cultural History of Terrorism, M. Burleigh (Harper, 2009)

Primary Sources 

-The assassination, who is responsible? (1901) 

-New York Times “Empress of Austria Slain” Article (1898) 

-New York Times “War On Terrorism” Article (1881)

-La vérité sur Orsini (1872) [The Truth about Orsini]

-Manifesto of the Paris Commune (1871) 

-The Revolutionary Catechism (1869) 

-On the Fenian Prisoners in Manchester (1867)

-Procès de Orsini (1858) [The Trial of Orsini]

*Wildcard Resource*

-You may have already read his classic play Crime and Punishment, but have you read Dostoevsky’s The Idiot (1869)? 

This novel is known as Dostoevsky’s most personal work, a story that clearly shows the threads of his own life experiences during 19th century Russia. The novel explores many of the same questions of philosophy and politics explored in this episode of SpyCast. 

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Summary  

Eric Escobar (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss compromising networks and information security. He has a coveted DEFCON Black Badge. 

What You’ll Learn 

Intelligence 

-What keeps Eric up at night  

-Thinking like an ethical hacker (aka a “penetration tester) 

-Protecting your information (i.e., “Hardening the attack surface”) 

-Plain English explanations of key cyber concepts like “Kill Chains” and “Zero Days” 

Reflections 

-Having a cool job 

-The information revolution and life in the modern world 

And much, much more… 

Episode Notes 

Eric Escobar commits several thousand felonies on any given day, if he didn’t have permission to do what he was doing. 

A Principal Security Consultant with SecureWorks, Eric has compromised pretty much everything out there: from healthcare and banking to technology and critical infrastructure, through to amusement parks and next generation military aircraft. 

“From my perspective, it’s the coolest job in the entire world.” 

His team consecutively won first place in the Wireless CTF category at DEF CON 23, 24, and 25, snagging a Black Badge along the way. He has a BS and MS in Civil Engineering.  

And… 

The links between computing, hacking and the 60’s counterculture are FASCINATING. Learn more by dipping your toes here and here, or dive deeper with What the Dormouse Said (2005) by John Markoff and From Counterculture to Cyberculture (2006) by Fred Turner.   

Quote of the Week 

"Watching any critical infrastructure get compromised is really the thing that keeps me up at night because lives are in the balance…and we do a lot of testing for critical infrastructure, and I've seen computers and machines that have been online and not been taken offline, longer than I've been alive…So really interesting to see those types of things because they interact with really big, expensive hardware…there's a catch 22 that happens where you can't really take the machine offline to do maintenance on it because it's critical infrastructure. So then how do you test it to make sure that a hacker can't take it offline, or maintenance can't be done on it? " – Eric Escobar.

Resources 

*Andrew’s Recommendation* 

-Word Notes  

From beginner thru advanced, you’ll find some helpful definitions of things like “Web 3.0,” “NFT’s” and “Digital Transformation” on this Cyberwire audio glossary. 

*SpyCasts* 

-Inside Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) – with John Lambert and Cristin Goodwin (2021) 

-The Cyber Zeitgeist – with Dave Bittner (2021) 

-Securing Cyberspace – with Charlie Mitchell (2016) 

*Beginner Resources* 

-What is Hacking? The Economic Times (n.d.) [web] 

-Ethical Hacking in 8 Minutes, Simplilearn (2020) [8 min video] 

-Cybersecurity in 7 minutes, Simplilearn (2020) [7 min video] 

Books 

-The Cyberweapons Arms Race, N. Perloth (Bloomsbury, 2021) 

-Cult of the Dead Cow, J. Menn (PublicAffairs, 2020) 

-Breaking & Entering, J. Smith (Mariner Books, 2019) 

-The Art of Invisibility, K. Mitnick (L, B & C, 2017) 

-Ghost in the Wires, K. Mitnick (Back Bay Books, 2012) 

-Kingpin, K. Poulson (Crown, 2012) 

-The Cuckoo’s Egg, C. Stoll (Doubleday, 1989) 

-Neuromancer, W. Gibson (Ace, 1984) 

Articles 

-2022 State of the Threat: A Year in Review, Secureworks (2022) 

-The Anthropology of Hackers, The Atlantic (2010) 

-Timeline Since 2006: Significant Cyber Incidents, CSIS (n.d.) 

Documentary 

-DEFCON, The Documentary Network (2013) 

Resources 

-Government Hacking Bibliography, S. Quinlan, New America Foundation (2016) 

*Wildcard Resource* 

-“The Aurora Shard” 

Come to the International Spy Museum to see an ugly chunk of metal. Why? Well, it speaks to a revolution in the relationship between the material world and the non-material world. Broken down? 30 lines of code blew up a 27-ton generator. Zeros and ones can cause violent explosions! 

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Summary

Alan Kohler joins Andrew to discuss the FBI’s counterintelligence division. He is a recipient of the FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation. 

***FULL SHOWNOTES AVAILABLE HERE***

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

-Counterintelligence vs. Counterespionage

-How the FBI recruit’s foreign agents 

-Ideological motivations behind spying

-Effect of technology on counterintelligence

Reflections

-Staying grounded under pressure 

-The value of creativity

Notes

Alan Kohler (LinkedIn, Website) has been the FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence since 2020. Alan and Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) talk all things counterintelligence.

***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE***

*SpyCasts*

-The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 1 (2022)

-The FBI & Cyber with Cyber Division Chief Bryan Vorndran, Part 2 (2022)

-My Global Career as a Female FBI Agent with Kathy Stearman (2021)

-The FBI Way with Counterintelligence Spy Chief Frank Figliuzzi (2021)

***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE***

*Beginner Resources*

-What We Investigate, FBI (n.d.) [webpage]

-FAQ’S, FBI (n.d.) [webpage]

-US Opens Counterintelligence Investigation into China Every 12 Hours (Dir. Wray), MSNBC (2022) [video]

-What We Know About China’s Spy Agency, Bloomberg Originals (2019) [video]

-Hollow Nickel/Rudolf Abel, FBI (n.d.) [Article]

-NCSC Mission, Vision, and Goals, ODNI (n.d.) [Website]

Glossary: 

-Counterintelligence: Information gathered, and activities conducted to identify, deceive, exploit, disrupt, or protect against espionage or other intelligence activities

-FBI Attaché: a special agent assigned to a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas to liaise with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies. They pursue terrorist, intelligence, and criminal threats with international dimensions. 

-Occam’s Razor: a rule of thumb theory that states when you are faced with competing explanations for the same phenomenon, the simplest one is probably the correct one. Attributed to William of Ockham, a 14th century English theologian. 

***FULL RESOURCES AVAILABLE HERE***

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Summary

Shane Harris (Twitter, LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the role of intelligence in the Ukraine conflict one year after it began. Shane reports on intelligence for the Washington Post and is the author of two books.

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence 

-Where we are with the war in Ukraine

-The role intelligence agencies are playing in the conflict

-The leadership of Zelensky and Putin

-What it’s like to report on spies

-Dealing with sources inside the intelligence agencies

Reflections

-The tenacity of the Ukrainian people and army

-History as both repetitive and unpredictable 

Episode Notes

This week on SpyCast, Shane Harris of The Washington Post joins Andrew to reflect on the previous year and discuss the role of intelligence within the war in Ukraine. He has been writing about these issues for more than two decades, including a period with the Wall Street Journal. He is the author of two books, The Watchers, on the rise of surveillance in the US, and @War, on the rise of the military-internet complex. He was part of a team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2021.

Quote of the Week

“At the outset, [I] believed that what we were looking at was probably a pretty swift Russian victory … They would come in, they would decapitate the central government in Kiev in the first 72 hours, and it would be bloody, and it would be violent, but that Russia would prevail because they were deemed to have the superior military in terms of technology experience numbers. Turns out, all those things were spectacularly wrong.” – Shane Harris.

Resources 

*SpyCasts*

-How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)

-Dealing with Russia A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022)

-Becoming a Russian Intelligence Officer with Janosh Neumann (2022)

-The Information Battlespace: Foreign Denial and Deception with Bill Parquette (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

-Has Putin's war failed and what does Russia want?, P. Kirby, BBC (2023)

-A Brief History of Modern Ukraine, BBC (2022) [YouTube video]

-Russia-Ukraine Relations in 60 Seconds, CBC News (2022)

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Summary

Bonny Lin (Biography) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss the current state of China and intelligence. Bonny is the Director of the ChinaPower Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

-China’s economic power and status 

-The current landscape of Chinese intelligence 

-China’s relationship with Taiwan

-The ChinaPower Project

Reflections

-Power and prominence 

-The global community as a complicated ecosystem 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“In the last couple of years, we've seen really a securitization of how China views intelligence and national security in general. And just this July, we saw China pass a revised counter espionage law. So with the whole host of laws of China's past since 2014 … it basically has made collection of intelligence and protecting Chinese national security the responsibility of every Chinese citizen.” - Bonny Lin.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

-The Eye of Horus: Egyptian Intelligence with Dina Rezk (2023)

-China’s Corporate Spy War with CNBC’s Eamon Javers (2023) 

-The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)

-Trafficking Data: The Digital Struggle with China with Aynne Kokas (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

-China-Taiwan crisis explained: What is behind the tensions?, ITV News, YouTube (2022) [3 min. video]

-8 things you need to know about China’s economy, World Economic Forum (2016) [Short article]

-Xi Jinping, Forbes (n.d) [Brief profile]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

-Spies and Lies: How China's Greatest Covert Operations Fooled the World, A. Joske (Hardie Grant, 2022) 

-The Chinese Invasion Threat: Taiwan’s Defense and American Strategy in Asia, I. Easton (Eastbridge Books, 2019)

-The Hundred-Year Marathon: China's Secret Strategy to Replace America as the Global Superpower, M. Pillsbury (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016) 

Primary Sources 

-National Intelligence Estimate – China-Taiwan: Prospects or Cross-Strait Relations (1999) 

-Forecasting the Sino-Vietnamese Split (1986)

-China-Vietnam: A Status Report (1983)

-Establishment of a China Task Force (1966) 

-Communist Chinese Intervention in the Vietnam War (1966)

-Controls on Trade with Communist China (1955)

*Wildcard Resource*

-Need a good cookie recipe for the holidays? Try this recipe adapted from the 1300-year old cookies found during the 1915 excavation of the Astana Cemetery in Xinjiang, China. 

-The petrified cookies are currently part of the collection of the British Museum, and still look quite tasty! 

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Summary

Barry Zulauf (Twitter; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his extensive experience working across the American intelligence community. Barry is the President of the International Association for Intelligence Education. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• What is the “Intelligence Community?”
• The organizational structure of American intelligence
• The establishment of the ODNI
• The intelligence components of the DEA 

Reflections

• A life of service
• Passion to serve the people 

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“[Fentanyl] is an enormous, enormous problem and no single organization, even as big as the Defense Intelligence enterprise, can deal with it alone. So, it's going to be a lot of diplomacy and a lot of building bridges, convincing people to do the right thing.”  – Barry Zulauf.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• First of Many…America’s First Female Intelligence Agency Chief with former NGA Director Letitia “Tish” Long (2023)
• Espionage and the Two Queens with Kent Tiernan (2023)
• Irregular Warfare & Intelligence with IWC Director Dennis Walters (2023)
• El Chapo, the Sinaloa Cartel & Intelligence with Trial Reporter Noah Hurowitz (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• America's intelligence community, explained, The Washington Post, YouTube (2014) [2 min. video]
• Members of the IC, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (n.d.) [Brief summaries of the 18 agencies] 
• Who We Are, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Primary Sources 

• The WMD Commission Report (2005)
• The 9/11 Commission Report (2004) 
• The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (2004)
• The Clark Report (1955)
• The Doolittle Report (1955)
• National Security Act (1947)
• CIA Review of the World Situation (1947) 

*Wildcard Resource*

• Barry mentioned early in the episode that he actually rowed into town the morning we recorded this episode – Barry shares this hobby with Teddy Roosevelt, an avid rower and the president that was instrumental in the creation of the FBI.
• Check out this Letter from Charles J. Bonaparte to Theodore Roosevelt that catapulted the FBI into existence. 

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Summary

Robert Wittman (Website; Twitter) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his career and the FBI’s Art Crime Team. Bob recovered over $300 million worth of stolen art and cultural property over the course of his career. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

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• The intelligence angle when investigating provenance
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• Living and working undercover abroad
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• Museums & Intelligence
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Reflections

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• The importance of cultural property
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• Questions of ownership and belonging
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And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“The motivation for writing the book was to get the word out how important cultural heritage is. It really is important to make the public realize that this is an important program that should be supported by law enforcement both local and federal.” – Robert Wittman.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*Featured Resource*

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• Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures, R. Wittman (Crown Publishing, 2011)
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*SpyCasts*

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• The Gambling Capital of the World: Intelligence, Las Vegas Style! with James Lockhart and Keith Michaels (2023)
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• Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023)
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• 70th Anniversary of James Bond, Special with Alexis Albion on 007 (2023)
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• How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)
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*Beginner Resources*

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• Why art gets stolen time and again, R. Pryor, The Art Newspaper (2020) [Short article] 
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• FBI Art Theft Program, FBI, YouTube (2013) [6 min. video]
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• What is cultural property?, Information and Heritage Inspectorate (n.d.) [Short article] 
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