Small World, Big Problems

Russia has a long-fabled history of deep-cover spies in the West. Known as the Illegals Program, these spies enter Western countries under false identities to conduct espionage activities. The history of this program goes back to the earliest days of the USSR, but these spies still lurk in the shadows of universities, think-tanks, and suburban neighborhoods across the West. Why does Russia use these types of spies? Has their mission changed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine? How can private institutions protect themselves from Russian intelligence? In this episode, we discuss the answers to these questions with Professor Mark Kelton. Professor Kelton was formerly the Deputy Director of the National Clandestine Service for Counterintelligence, one of the most senior positions within the National Clandestine Service. This episode was researched, recorded, and edited by Connor Crago.

The American defense industry employs over a million people—in the military, in civilian jobs, and at private companies—and every part matters. Few people have spent as much time inside this complex machine as our guest this week: Richard T. Bew, the Chief of Staff for Lockheed Martin. In part one of this two-part interview, we talk with him about his time as a Marine aviator, the importance of human capital in the civil-military relationship, and the changing character of war in the 21st century. This episode was researched, recorded, and edited by Eli George.

Over the last 15 years, Bolivia has experienced political and economic ups and downs. The MAS, a socialist part with a leftist agenda, led a period of high growth and a vibrant new political party structure. Now, the party is experiencing internal conflict and the country has a mighty foreign exchange crisis on its hands. If Bolivia plays its cards right, though, it could improve its economic, and thus political standing. In discussing Bolivia's current challenges and future opportunities, Noah Martin sits down with Dr. Calla Hummel to get a better understanding of the country’s political economy and what’s in store going forward. Research, hosted, and edited by Noah Martin. Produced by Noah Martin and Dylan Yachyshen.

Cyber operations are becoming increasingly ubiquitous as a means for nation state and non-nation state actors to engage in intelligence collection, subversion, and strategic competition more broadly. As our world becomes more thoroughly networked and as more data travels throughout cyberspace, the potential power of cyber operations and the urgency of cyber security grow exponentially. Cyberspace has increasingly become a heated, persistent domain of competition between nation state and non-nation state actors alike, and both the US government and private sector are working feverishly to increase their capacity to understand it and operate within it.Luke Litle sits down with Prof. Andrew Boyd, who recently retired as the director of the CIA's Center for Cyber Intelligence (CCI) and is now serving as an adjunct professor in the Alperovitch Institute at JHU SAIS. They discuss his transition from the human intelligence field to cyber intelligence, the ways US competitors and adversaries are using cyber tools to advance their national interest, current US efforts to develop and define its own cyber policy, the fusion of public and private sector cyber security efforts, and opportunities to serve in the cyber realm within the US government and private sector.

In our latest podcast episode, host AlMaha Al-Neama and guest journalist Ivan Nechepurenko from The New York Times explore the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, a significant and ongoing dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They discuss the conflict's history, its status as a complex and long-standing territorial struggle, and the delicate balance of the current no-peace, no-war situation.The episode examines both historical aspects and current dynamics, including the roles of major international organizations and the potential for a sustainable peace. Special focus is given to the humanitarian crisis, the challenges faced by displaced populations, and the conflict's broader geopolitical impact, especially considering the involvement of powers like Russia.This episode is essential listening for anyone eager to understand the complexities of international conflicts and the delicate interplay between national sovereignty and ethnic self-determination. Join us for an enlightening discussion that illuminates this critical global issue.

In a rapidly-transforming Middle East, the ascendant roles of China and Russia are reshaping the region's security landscape. This comes in tandem with the startling normalization of relations between erstwhile rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, a move orchestrated by China. Professor Vali Nasr decodes these developments and their potential implications for the United States. This conversation aims to clarify the ever-changing alliances and power equations in the Middle East, as nations endeavor to break away from Western hegemony.

John McLaughlin is the Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, contributing columnist to Grid News, and former acting director of the CIA. In this episode Professor McLaughlin discusses the origins of the war in Ukraine and the possible future outcomes of the war. He also gives his thoughts on Russia's relationship with China and the role of open source intelligence.