Scot Terban joined me to discuss the use of shortwave numbers stations, recently declassified KGB investigative techniques for identifying recipients of those broadcasts, how shortwave has changed with the introduction of the internet, and technologies such as software defined radio (SDR) that make capturing mysterious signals affordable (sometimes free) and easier than ever.

Scot Terban joined me to discuss the use of shortwave numbers stations, recently declassified KGB investigative techniques for identifying recipients of those broadcasts, how shortwave has changed with the introduction of the internet, and technologies such as software defined radio (SDR) that make capturing mysterious signals affordable (sometimes free) and easier than ever.

Shortwave Numbers Stations | Episode 118

The regular counterintelligence chat with William Tucker is a day late but full of new Chinese espionage activity in the NYPD, the EU, and beyond. We also touch on intelligence history and why literature from the Middle Ages or beyond is not only fascinating but still relevant.

The regular counterintelligence chat with William Tucker is a day late but full of new Chinese espionage activity in the NYPD, the EU, and beyond. We also touch on intelligence history and why literature from the Middle Ages or beyond is not only fascinating but still relevant.

Chinese Spies in US Law Enforcement – And Everywhere Else | Episode 117

William Tucker returns to discuss the incredible case of Garrison Courtney and Alpha-214. Posing as a CIA NOC Courtney was able to engineer a scheme that duped numerous beltway contractors, intelligence officials, former military officers and many others.

William Tucker returns to discuss the incredible case of <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-fake-cia-spy-garrison-courtney-fooled-everyone-and-swindled-millions" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Garrison Courtney and Alpha-214</a>. Posing as a CIA NOC Courtney was able to engineer a scheme that duped numerous beltway contractors, intelligence officials, former military officers and many others.

The Threat of Fake Spies | Episode 116

William Tucker joins me for our weekly counterintelligence chat. In this episode we discuss the recent report for Microsoft that details Russian, Chinese, and Iranian attacks on individuals and organizations tied to our presidential campaigns and the recent move to revoke the visas of more than 1,000 Chinese grad students and researchers who have been deemed security risks.

William Tucker joins me for our weekly counterintelligence chat. In this episode we discuss the recent report for Microsoft that details Russian, Chinese, and Iranian attacks on individuals and organizations tied to our presidential campaigns and the recent move to revoke the visas of more than 1,000 Chinese grad students and researchers who have been deemed security risks.

Election Threats and Disrupting Chinese Espionage | Episode 115

William Tucker joins me to discuss two high profile cases this week, sloppy Chinese tradecraft, and why it always pays to visit the FBI before the FBI visits you.

William Tucker joins me to discuss two high profile cases this week, sloppy Chinese tradecraft, and why it always pays to visit the FBI before the FBI visits you.

French Officer Busted Spying on NATO for GRU & Other Espionage Cases | 114

Scot Terban is back to discuss the plot, common points of vulnerability, and what you can do it, like a Tesla employee, you find yourself in the middle of a Russian criminal plot.

Scot Terban is back to discuss the plot, common points of vulnerability, and what you can do it, like a Tesla employee, you find yourself in the middle of a Russian criminal plot.

Russians Targeted Tesla Gigafactory in Ransomware Plot | Episode 113

William Tucker joins me to discuss the Zhengdong Cheng case, how Chinese espionage might be forced to evolve, global awareness of the scope of China’s spying, and how organizations can protect themselves if they haven’t started evaluating their own risk.

William Tucker joins me to discuss the Zhengdong Cheng case, how Chinese espionage might be forced to evolve, global awareness of the scope of China’s spying, and how organizations can protect themselves if they haven’t started evaluating their own risk.

Texas A&M, NASA, and Chinese Espionage | Episode 112

Dean Baratta joins me to discuss the rapidly diversifying and expanding non-traditional career paths in intelligence. We also touch on some tips for those looking to enter the field.

Dean Baratta joins me to discuss the rapidly diversifying and expanding non-traditional career paths in intelligence. We also touch on some tips for those looking to enter the field.

Careers in Intelligence: Beyond the Three Letter Agencies |Episode 111

William Tucker joins me again to look into yesterday’s indictment of Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former Green Beret alleged to have worked for Russian intelligence for over a decade.

William Tucker joins me again to look into yesterday’s indictment of Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former Green Beret alleged to have worked for Russian intelligence for over a decade.

Spying for Russia: The Peter Debbins Case | Episode 110

William Tucker returns to look at the apparent poisoning of Alexei Navalny and yet another Chinese espionage case, this time involving Alexander Ma. It’s a classic case, with a Hawaii connection, and there’s likely more interesting details to come. You can follow William Tucker on Twitter @tuckerwj

William Tucker returns to look at the apparent poisoning of Alexei Navalny and yet another Chinese espionage case, this time involving Alexander Ma. It’s a classic case, with a Hawaii connection, and there’s likely more interesting details to come. You can follow William Tucker on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@tuckerwj</a>

Counterintelligence Chat: Alexei Navalny & Alexander Ma | Episode 109

Covert Contact covers the key national security, intelligence, and technology stories that are shaping our world.  Covert Contact is hosted by Blogs of War creator John W. Little. His work and analysis has been featured on the BBC, CNN, CBC, ABC (Australia), PBS Newshour, Fast Company, CBS, and other international media outlets. The Blogs of War Twitter feed, @Blogsofwar, was selected as one of the top Twitter accounts of 2014 by Time magazine.

It’s been close to 3 months with no update. Hope all is well. I really enjoy your work! Updates?

Don’t throw in the towel

Great podcast for IR and security studies students interest in the intelligence community

Great podcast

Covert Contact covers the key national security, intelligence, and technology stories that are shaping our world. Covert Contact is hosted by Blogs of War creator John W. Little. His work and analysis has been featured on the BBC, CNN, CBC, ABC (Australia), PBS Newshour, Fast Company, CBS, and other international media outlets. The Blogs of War Twitter feed, @Blogsofwar, was selected as one of the top Twitter accounts of 2014 by Time magazine.

Covert Contact

In episode 62 I look at what may have been the most bizarre presidential debate in U.S. history. Covert Contact regular William Tucker joins me later in the show to discuss the U.S. government’s formal acknowledgement that Russia is meddling in the U.S. election.  Listener email makes its debut in this episode. If you’d like to submit your own thoughts for possible inclusion in future episodes please drop me a line at covertcontact@protonmail.com.

In episode 62 I look at what may have been the most bizarre presidential debate in U.S. history. Covert Contact regular <a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Tucker</a> joins me later in the show to discuss the U.S. government’s formal acknowledgement that Russia is meddling in the U.S. election. Listener email makes its debut in this episode. If you’d like to submit your own thoughts for possible inclusion in future episodes please drop me a line at <a href="mailto:covertcontact@protonmail.com">covertcontact@protonmail.com</a>.

Russia, Trump, and Hillary | Episode 62

In episode eight I look at the case of Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill and the culture that lures men and women like him out of the shadows and into a world of fame, ego gratification, and financial reward. I examine the role that military leadership and our culture at large plays in chipping away at the notion of quiet professionalism and share some thoughts about how we can change course. There is also a call from Phillip Smyth, a researcher at the University of Maryland’s Laboratory for Computational Cultural Dynamics. Phillip shares some thoughts on social media and its impact on national security, politics, and the collection of intelligence.

In episode eight I look at the case of <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/11/12/navy-seal-who-shot-usama-bin-laden-revealed-in-exclusive-fox-news-interview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill</a> and the culture that lures men and women like him out of the shadows and into a world of fame, ego gratification, and financial reward. I examine the role that military leadership and our culture at large plays in chipping away at the notion of quiet professionalism and share some thoughts about how we can change course. There is also a call from <a href="http://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phillip Smyth</a>, a researcher at the University of Maryland’s Laboratory for Computational Cultural Dynamics. Phillip shares some thoughts on social media and its impact on national security, politics, and the collection of intelligence.

The Navy SEAL Who Killed Osama bin Laden and the Heroes You’ll Never Know | Episode 8

Dean Baratta, Chief of the Analysis Bureau at New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, joins me to discuss how bias can impact both the production and consumption of intelligence products. NJOHSP also produces a significant amount of unclassified material so we discuss how that can be interpreted (or misinterpreted) and how his office manages the often constructive feedback that it receives from the public. You can follow NJOHSP on Twitter (@NJOHSP) and access their unclassified intelligence products at njhomelandsecurity.gov. Their podcast, Intelligence, Unclassified is available on iTunes and other platforms.  

Dean Baratta, Chief of the Analysis Bureau at <a href="https://www.njhomelandsecurity.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness</a>, joins me to discuss how bias can impact both the production and consumption of intelligence products. NJOHSP also produces a significant amount of unclassified material so we discuss how that can be interpreted (or misinterpreted) and how his office manages the often constructive feedback that it receives from the public. You can follow NJOHSP on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/njohsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@NJOHSP</a>) and access their unclassified intelligence products at <a href="http://www.njhomelandsecurity.gov/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">njhomelandsecurity.gov</a>. Their podcast, <a href="http://www.njhomelandsecurity.gov/podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Intelligence, Unclassified</a> is available on iTunes and other platforms.

Intelligence Analysis: Feedback, Bias, and Other Challenges | Episode 66

Phillip Smyth is a researcher at the University of Maryland who focuses on Iran-backed Shiite proxy groups. He is also well-known for his Hizballah Cavalcade project on Jihadology. In episode 70 Phillip joins me for a quick look at how the change in U.S. leadership is impacting the balance of sectarian power and our policy toward Iran. Are there fundamental shifts underway? Is the U.S. actually leading or are actors in the region just seizing a perceived window of opportunity to advance their own agendas? We tackle it all in this episode.

<a href="https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phillip Smyth</a> is a researcher at the University of Maryland who focuses on Iran-backed Shiite proxy groups. He is also well-known for his <a href="http://jihadology.net/hizballah-cavalcade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hizballah Cavalcade</a> project on <a href="http://jihadology.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jihadology</a>. In episode 70 Phillip joins me for a quick look at how the change in U.S. leadership is impacting the balance of sectarian power and our policy toward Iran. Are there fundamental shifts underway? Is the U.S. actually leading or are actors in the region just seizing a perceived window of opportunity to advance their own agendas? We tackle it all in this episode.

Iran in the Age of Trump | Episode 70

 Alex Finley, a former officer of the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, joined me to discuss the rise of deep state conspiracies that often feature a monolithic, highly partisan, intelligence community at their center. Much of Alex’s work (see the hilarious Victor in the Rubble and The Intelligence Community: Smart People Looking at Computers) demystifies the work of the intelligence community by exposing the tedious realities of government work. It is a perfect contrast to conspiracy theorist fantasies. We also take on the current administration’s view of the IC, Russia’s role in fueling these (ultimately damaging) views in the United States, and the unusually high media profile of former IC leaders during these turbulent times.

<a href="https://alexzfinley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Alex Finley</a>, a former officer of the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, joined me to discuss the rise of deep state conspiracies that often feature a monolithic, highly partisan, intelligence community at their center. Much of Alex’s work (see the hilarious <a href="https://alexzfinley.com/what-people-are-saying/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Victor in the Rubble</a> and <a href="https://alexzfinley.com/2016/02/29/the-intelligence-community-smart-people-looking-at-computers-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Intelligence Community: Smart People Looking at Computers</a>) demystifies the work of the intelligence community by exposing the tedious realities of government work. It is a perfect contrast to conspiracy theorist fantasies. We also take on the current administration’s view of the IC, Russia’s role in fueling these (ultimately damaging) views in the United States, and the unusually high media profile of former IC leaders during these turbulent times.

Deep State Conspiracies | Episode 74

Former CIA Case Officer Patrick Skinner has appeared on Covert Contact several times to discuss intelligence issues and break down significant terrorist attacks. Last year, driven by more than a little frustration and a desire to act locally, Patrick decided to make a fascinating career transition and become a local police officer. In episode 81 I catch up with Patrick, discuss the transition, and we dig into the many ways that what he is learning could inform policing, those in his former profession, and policymakers.

Former CIA Case Officer <a href="https://twitter.com/SkinnerPm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick Skinner</a> has appeared on Covert Contact <a href="https://blogsofwar.com/tag/patrick-skinner/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">several times</a> to discuss intelligence issues and break down significant terrorist attacks. Last year, driven by more than a little frustration and a desire to act locally, Patrick decided to make a fascinating career transition and become a local police officer. In episode 81 I catch up with Patrick, discuss the transition, and we dig into the many ways that what he is learning could inform policing, those in his former profession, and policymakers.

From CIA Case Officer to Rookie Cop | Episode 81

In episode 31 I’m joined by Patrick Skinner, Director of Special Projects for The Soufan Group. Patrick is a former CIA case officer who specializes in counter-terrorism issues. Patrick’s background in both law enforcement (US Air Marshals and the US Capitol Police) and intelligence has positioned him to understand the full array of challenges we face in our intelligence and counterterrorism efforts and it is those challenges that we focus on in this podcast. How dow we deal with unpreventable attacks? How do we attack root causes? How can an enormous bureaucracy like the U.S. government adapt to fight incredibly agile adversaries? Does consumer encryption really present a significant barrier? How do we find the balance between human intelligence and technology driven collection? We cover it all – and then some in this episode.

In episode 31 I’m joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/SkinnerPm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick Skinner</a>, Director of Special Projects for <a href="http://soufangroup.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Soufan Group</a>. Patrick is a former CIA case officer who specializes in counter-terrorism issues. Patrick’s background in both law enforcement (US Air Marshals and the US Capitol Police) and intelligence has positioned him to understand the full array of challenges we face in our intelligence and counterterrorism efforts and it is those challenges that we focus on in this podcast. How dow we deal with unpreventable attacks? How do we attack root causes? How can an enormous bureaucracy like the U.S. government adapt to fight incredibly agile adversaries? Does consumer encryption really present a significant barrier? How do we find the balance between human intelligence and technology driven collection? We cover it all – and then some in this episode.

Understanding the Limits of Intelligence and Counterterrorism | Episode 31

Phillip Smyth

The first Covert Contact interview features University of Maryland Laboratory for Computational Cultural Dynamics researcher Phillip Smyth. Phillip is also well known for his Hizballah Cavalcade project on Jihadology. Phillip specializes in Shia militias, and we touch on that topic, but most of the interview is spent looking at the big challenges we face in countering terrorism and its sponsors. It’s an interesting conversation that illustrates the dynamic and difficult problems that we continue to face in places like Syria, Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Bahrain.

The first Covert Contact interview features University of Maryland <a href="https://www.umiacs.umd.edu/research/LCCD/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laboratory for Computational Cultural Dynamics</a> researcher <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phillip Smyth</a>. Phillip is also well known for his <a href="http://jihadology.net/hizballah-cavalcade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hizballah Cavalcade</a> project on <a href="http://jihadology.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jihadology</a>. Phillip specializes in Shia militias, and we touch on that topic, but most of the interview is spent looking at the big challenges we face in countering terrorism and its sponsors. It’s an interesting conversation that illustrates the dynamic and difficult problems that we continue to face in places like Syria, Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, Yemen, and Bahrain.

Counterterrorism Challenges – Pondering Seemingly Unsolvable Problems with Phillip Smyth | Episode 11

Naveed Jamali

In episode 25 I’m talking to Naveed Jamali, former double agent, and co-author of How to Catch a Russian Spy: The True Story of an American Civilian Turned Double Agent.  Naveed seemed like an unlikely candidate for this sort of intrigue but Russian intelligence used his parent’s company to order U.S. government publications. The FBI, of course, wanted to know what the Russians were reading. He could have remained a low-level informant, notifying the FBI of the Russian’s reading habits and interests as his parents had, but Naveed wanted to take it further. He had access, some natural talent, and a lot interest in playing the game.  Our conversation focuses on Naveed’s unusual position and what it’s like to navigate this very confusing territory as a complete amateur.  Related Links NaveedJamali.com Follow Naveed on Twitter @CatchaRUSSpy

In episode 25 I’m talking to Naveed Jamali, former double agent, and co-author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Catch-Russian-Spy-American/dp/1476788820/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1415964810&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=naveed+jamali" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Catch a Russian Spy: The True Story of an American Civilian Turned Double Agent</a>. Naveed seemed like an unlikely candidate for this sort of intrigue but Russian intelligence used his parent’s company to order U.S. government publications. The FBI, of course, wanted to know what the Russians were reading. He could have remained a low-level informant, notifying the FBI of the Russian’s reading habits and interests as his parents had, but Naveed wanted to take it further. He had access, some natural talent, and a lot interest in playing the game. Our conversation focuses on Naveed’s unusual position and what it’s like to navigate this very confusing territory as a complete amateur. Related Links <a href="http://www.naveedjamali.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NaveedJamali.com</a> Follow Naveed on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/CatchaRUSSpy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@CatchaRUSSpy</a>

Catching Russian Spies with Former Double Agent Naveed Jamali | Episode 25

Russian intelligence presents a significant challenge for the United States but it is far from the only threat. There are dozens of nations and non-state actors actively collecting against us at any given time. There are countless companies engaging in corporate espionage. Every organization has a hostile insider – or will soon enough. Threats are everywhere. Podcast regular William J. Tucker joins me to review these threats, how governments allocate resources to fight them, and strategies that any individual or organization can employ to protect themselves. 

Russian intelligence presents a significant challenge for the United States but it is far from the only threat. There are dozens of nations and non-state actors actively collecting against us at any given time. There are countless companies engaging in corporate espionage. Every organization has a hostile insider – or will soon enough. Threats are everywhere. Podcast regular <a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William J. Tucker</a> joins me to review these threats, how governments allocate resources to fight them, and strategies that any individual or organization can employ to protect themselves.

Beyond Russia: Overlooked Counterintelligence Threats | Episode 72

Northeastern University professor and terrorism theorist Max Abrahms excels at poking holes in the conventional wisdom and he joins me again in episode 26 to do exactly that. I initially asked Max to discuss his recent piece in Harvard Business Review Why People Keep Saying, “That’s What the Terrorists Want” but we expanded the discussion to explore commonly accepted ideas about ISIS – their supposed strategic and tactical brilliance, the viability of their so-called caliphate, and the notion that legitimate governments somehow don’t have the tools to address the problem that ISIS represents. You can follow Max on Twitter @MaxAbrahms and read his work at https://neu.academia.edu/MaxAbrahms. I also recommend reading “The Political Effectiveness of Terrorism Revisited” for a more comprehensive breakdown of Max’s research and arguments on this subject.

Northeastern University professor and terrorism theorist Max Abrahms excels at poking holes in the conventional wisdom and he joins me again in episode 26 to do exactly that. I initially asked Max to discuss his recent piece in Harvard Business Review <a href="https://hbr.org/2015/11/why-people-keep-saying-thats-what-the-terrorists-want" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why People Keep Saying, “That’s What the Terrorists Want”</a> but we expanded the discussion to explore commonly accepted ideas about ISIS – their supposed strategic and tactical brilliance, the viability of their so-called caliphate, and the notion that legitimate governments somehow don’t have the tools to address the problem that ISIS represents. You can follow Max on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/maxabrahms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@MaxAbrahms</a> and read his work at <a href="https://neu.academia.edu/MaxAbrahms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://neu.academia.edu/MaxAbrahms</a>. I also recommend reading “<a href="https://www.academia.edu/1595455/_The_Political_Effectiveness_of_Terrorism_Revisited_Comparative_Political_Studies_March_2012_" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Political Effectiveness of Terrorism Revisited</a>” for a more comprehensive breakdown of Max’s research and arguments on this subject.

What You Are Getting Wrong About ISIS | Episode 26

Covert Contact regular William Tucker joins me for a quick look at Putin’s outlook and the challenges he faces despite domestic political wins, successful rounds of international meddling, and attempts to reshape Russia’s domestic security, military, and intelligence services. Putin appears to be working from a position of strength but appearances can often be deceiving in strongman politics.

Covert Contact regular <a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Tucker</a> joins me for a quick look at Putin’s outlook and the challenges he faces despite domestic political wins, successful rounds of international meddling, and attempts to reshape Russia’s domestic security, military, and intelligence services. Putin appears to be working from a position of strength but appearances can often be deceiving in strongman politics.

Putin’s Struggle for Relevancy and Power | Episode 60

This week I’m focusing on a single critical topic – the struggle between privacy advocates and governments over cryptography. This is a sensitive topic and there are a lot of extreme positions on the matter. I attempt to take a balanced look at both sides of the issue, offer my thoughts about who might win the war, and I explore what the eventual outcome might mean for intelligence professionals. However, I also argue that if either side “wins” the war without understanding and accommodating the positions of the other, we all stand to lose. This is a slightly shorter and more focused episode but I’m exploring this format with the intention of releasing more than one episode per week. Please let me know what you think about the format change. You can do that on the Covert Contact Facebook Page or by connecting with me on Twitter @CovertContact.

This week I’m focusing on a single critical topic – the struggle between privacy advocates and governments over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cryptography</a>. This is a sensitive topic and there are a lot of extreme positions on the matter. I attempt to take a balanced look at both sides of the issue, offer my thoughts about who might win the war, and I explore what the eventual outcome might mean for intelligence professionals. However, I also argue that if either side “wins” the war without understanding and accommodating the positions of the other, we all stand to lose. This is a slightly shorter and more focused episode but I’m exploring this format with the intention of releasing more than one episode per week. Please let me know what you think about the format change. You can do that on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlogsOfWar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Covert Contact Facebook Page</a> or by connecting with me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/covertcontact" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@CovertContact</a>.

Crypto Wars: Winners, Losers, and the Case for Compromise | Episode 3

In episode 29 Brookings Institution senior fellow and author of Temptations of Power: Islamists and Illiberal Democracy in a New Middle East joins me to discuss the difficult relationship Islamist movements have with democracy and power at the state level in general. Years of research, and deep contacts, led Shadi to some unexpected findings about how Islamist movements navigate through political systems. We also discuss the state of affairs in the United States – primarily the apparent increase in, and acceptance of, anti-Muslim bigotry in the 2016 presidential campaign. It is a fascinating discussion that reflects the challenges inherent in democracy and serves as a reminder that the tensions balanced by democracy could also destroy it if society rejects or loses the shared value system that makes it all possible.  Related Links Follow @shadihamid on Twitter Temptations of Power: Islamists and Illiberal Democracy in a New Middle East Brookings Institution: Shadi Hamid

In episode 29 Brookings Institution senior fellow and author of Temptations of Power: Islamists and Illiberal Democracy in a New Middle East joins me to discuss the difficult relationship Islamist movements have with democracy and power at the state level in general. Years of research, and deep contacts, led Shadi to some unexpected findings about how Islamist movements navigate through political systems. We also discuss the state of affairs in the United States – primarily the apparent increase in, and acceptance of, anti-Muslim bigotry in the 2016 presidential campaign. It is a fascinating discussion that reflects the challenges inherent in democracy and serves as a reminder that the tensions balanced by democracy could also destroy it if society rejects or loses the shared value system that makes it all possible. Related Links Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/shadihamid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@shadihamid</a> on Twitter <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Temptations-Power-Islamists-Illiberal-Democracy/dp/0190229241/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;ref_=tmm_pap_title_0&amp;sr=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Temptations of Power: Islamists and Illiberal Democracy in a New Middle East</a> <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/experts/hamids" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brookings Institution: Shadi Hamid</a>

Islamism and Democracy: Finding Models for the Middle East and Preserving Our Own | Episode 29

This episode was recorded just after Iran briefly detained and released 10 American sailors. Researcher Phillip Smyth joined me to discuss that event and the avalanche of terrible analysis that it triggered, Iran’s quest for regional domination, and its use of proxies to further those aims. We also look at Iran’s relationship with Russia and the similar strategies they’ve both employed to expand their influence. Where will this sustained, and in many ways successful, effort by Iran to project power regionally take them – and us over the next decade?

This episode was recorded just after Iran briefly detained and released 10 American sailors. Researcher <a href="https://twitter.com/phillipsmyth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phillip Smyth</a> joined me to discuss that event and the avalanche of terrible analysis that it triggered, Iran’s quest for regional domination, and its use of proxies to further those aims. We also look at Iran’s relationship with Russia and the similar strategies they’ve both employed to expand their influence. Where will this sustained, and in many ways successful, effort by Iran to project power regionally take them – and us over the next decade?

Iran’s Quest for Regional Domination | Episode 38

Howard Kaplan

Howard Kaplan wrote his debut espionage novel, The Damascus Cover, nearly forty years ago. He joins me to discuss the book, the recently completed the film adaptation staring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Sir John Hurt, his own experience serving as a courier for Israeli intelligence in the Soviet Union (where he was eventually detained for a short time), and the psychology of human intelligence.  Spies make for dramatic characters in books and in film but real intelligence professionals have to pay a price for that drama. It is a life that can take a toll on even the most committed practitioners. Kaplan leverages his limited (but no less dramatic) brush with the profession to explore that tension in his work. We look at these aspects of the business, not only in his own work, but also through examples such as the classic le Carré character Alec Leamus and the life of the Israeli hero Eli Cohen. You can follow @kaplanhow on Twitter.

Howard Kaplan wrote his debut espionage novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Damascus-Cover-Jerusalem-Spy-Book/dp/0990526305/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1446524012&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+damascus+cover" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Damascus Cover</a>, nearly forty years ago. He joins me to discuss the book, the recently completed <a href="http://www.thehollywoodnews.com/2015/02/04/filming-begins-on-damascus-cover-with-jonathan-rhys-meyers-sir-john-hurt/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the film adaptation</a> staring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Sir John Hurt, his own experience serving as a courier for Israeli intelligence in the Soviet Union (where he was eventually detained for a short time), and the psychology of human intelligence. Spies make for dramatic characters in books and in film but real intelligence professionals have to pay a price for that drama. It is a life that can take a toll on even the most committed practitioners. Kaplan leverages his limited (but no less dramatic) brush with the profession to explore that tension in his work. We look at these aspects of the business, not only in his own work, but also through examples such as the classic le Carré character <a href="https://youtu.be/lNrjAMV0HJk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alec Leamus</a> and the life of the Israeli hero <a href="http://elicohen.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eli Cohen</a>. You can <a href="https://twitter.com/kaplanhow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">follow @kaplanhow on Twitter</a>.

The Damascus Cover and the Psychology of Spies with Howard Kaplan | Episode 21

We expend vast amounts of analytical energy studying Russia. And we have done so for decades. So why do we so often miss the mark when it comes to understanding their strengths and weaknesses? William Tucker joins me once again to look at the challenges facing Russia, their ability to act within constraints that would hobble other nations, and how they might evolve and cope in the face of serious economic and demographic pressures.

We expend vast amounts of analytical energy studying Russia. And we have done so for decades. So why do we so often miss the mark when it comes to understanding their strengths and weaknesses? <a href="https://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Tucker</a> joins me once again to look at the challenges facing Russia, their ability to act within constraints that would hobble other nations, and how they might evolve and cope in the face of serious economic and demographic pressures.

Russian Strengths – and Weaknesses | Episode 39

Regular contributor on terrorism and counterintelligence topics, William Tucker, joins me again to review the horrific and unusual attacks in San Bernardino. We discuss the odd, possible hybrid, nature of the attack, the challenge these types of attacks pose to our homeland security efforts, and what can be done in the face of what are essentially unpreventable attacks. Along the way we discuss the ISIS connection and how efforts to counter the group (or an unwillingness to aggressively address the issue) will impact our counterterrorism efforts for years to come. Related Links All episodes featuring William J. Tucker Follow William J. Tucker on Twitter

Regular contributor on terrorism and counterintelligence topics, William Tucker, joins me again to review the horrific and unusual attacks in San Bernardino. We discuss the odd, possible hybrid, nature of the attack, the challenge these types of attacks pose to our homeland security efforts, and what can be done in the face of what are essentially unpreventable attacks. Along the way we discuss the ISIS connection and how efforts to counter the group (or an unwillingness to aggressively address the issue) will impact our counterterrorism efforts for years to come. Related Links <a href="http://covertcontact.com/tag/william-tucker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All episodes featuring William J. Tucker</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Follow William J. Tucker on Twitter</a>

The San Bernardino Attack, Small Scale Terrorism, and ISIS | Episode 30

Donald Trump

Regular Blogs of War and Covert Contact contributor William Tucker joins me to look at allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, Trump’s roll in the insanity, and the impact that it is having on American power and our allies in places like Estonia and other Baltic states.   

Regular Blogs of War and Covert Contact contributor <a href="http://twitter.com/tuckerwj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Tucker</a> joins me to look at allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, Trump’s roll in the insanity, and the impact that it is having on American power and our allies in places like Estonia and other Baltic states.

Russia, Donald Trump, and the 2016 Election | Episode 56

Levi West, Director of Terrorism Studies at Charles Sturt University in Canberra, returns to look at how terrorists leverage (or don’t leverage) emerging apps and platforms ranging from social media, to encryption, to cryptocurrencies. We do our best to cut through the hype and look at the very real limits and challenges terrorists face when they become early adopters or even sophisticated users of networks where states have a very real advantage.

<a href="https://twitter.com/levijwest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Levi West</a>, <a href="http://terrorismstudies.csu.edu.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Director of Terrorism Studies</a> at Charles Sturt University in Canberra, returns to look at how terrorists leverage (or don’t leverage) emerging apps and platforms ranging from social media, to encryption, to cryptocurrencies. We do our best to cut through the hype and look at the very real limits and challenges terrorists face when they become early adopters or even sophisticated users of networks where states have a very real advantage.

Terrorists and Technology | Episode 85

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