This episode also examines the evolution of opportunities for women within these agencies, highlighting their ascent to senior roles and the unique perspectives they bring to the top echelons of intelligence. Whether through cutting-edge cybersecurity work, managing global networks of informants, or leading entire agencies, we’ll see how women continue to redefine leadership in intelligence. Join us for a deep dive into the clandestine careers of women in espionage, the shifting dynamics within intelligence communities, and how these remarkable women are leading the way in safeguarding national interests in the modern era. Watch the full episode below:

Questions covered in this episode

1. Introduction to subject matter expert.
2. How has the role of women in intelligence agencies evolved from early espionage work to modern leadership positions?
3. What unique challenges have women historically faced in the male-dominated world of intelligence, and how have they overcome them?
4. Can you highlight some key female figures who have made significant contributions to intelligence agencies and changed the course of their organizations?
5. What qualities do women bring to leadership roles in intelligence agencies that enhance decision-making, operations, and strategy?
6. What is the impact of having more women in leadership roles within intelligence agencies on the overall effectiveness of national security and intelligence operations?
7. Looking forward, what steps can intelligence agencies take to continue fostering and promoting the leadership of women in the field?

About the guest speaker

Lindsay Moran is an expert on human intelligence, espionage, and national security. A former CIA operative, she has over 20 years’ experience across a broad professional spectrum that includes covert operations, investigation, social impact, and communications. She is a national spokesperson and part of the development team at DeliverFund, a nonprofit intelligence organization that leverages cutting-edge technology in its mission to eradicate and end human trafficking.

Ms. Moran is author of the critically acclaimed, best-selling memoir Blowing My Cover; her articles and opinions have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, The Huffington Post, and various other publications. She has served as a commentator on national security and intelligence issues for the BBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The Young Turks, as well as national and local radio and online outlets. She was a field correspondent for the flagship news program America Tonight and its groundbreaking science and technology show TechKnow. Ms. Moran is featured as an expert on the top-rated Science Channel show What on Earth. She also consults on television series and movies, including the History Channel’s critically acclaimed documentary America’s War on Drugs and Netflix’s action series Hit and Run.

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We’ll also explore a bold and surprising twist in the intelligence community: the CIA’s recent public outreach to recruit spies from rival nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. How does this shift from covert to open recruitment impact international espionage and geopolitical tensions? What motivates individuals to turn against their governments, and how do intelligence agencies manage these high-risk relationships? Whether you’re a seasoned espionage enthusiast or new to the world of intelligence, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat as we expose the intricate web of counterintelligence and the daring moves being made in today’s spy games. Watch the full episode below:

Questions covered in this episode:

1. Introduction to subject matter expert.
2. How has the world of counterintelligence evolved over the years, and what role do double agents play in modern espionage?
3. What are some of the key risks and rewards for individuals who become double agents, especially when switching sides to work with adversaries like the CIA?
4. How does the CIA’s public outreach to foreign nationals from countries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea impact global intelligence dynamics and diplomatic relations?
5. What specific tactics does the CIA use in its public recruitment efforts, and how do these differ from traditional, more covert methods of recruiting spies?
6. How do foreign governments like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea typically respond when their citizens are publicly targeted by the CIA for espionage?
7. Can you share any historical examples where double agents have significantly impacted international conflicts or intelligence operations, and what lessons were learned from these cases?

About the guest speaker:

Douglas London retired from the CIA in 2019 after 34 years as a Senior Operations Officer, Chief of Station and CIA’s Counterterrorism Chief for South and Southwest Asia. He served primarily in the Middle East, South Asia, the former Soviet Republics and Africa, with senior management positions for the Near East, Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, Iran and Cyber operations. Mr. London is a Non-resident fellow at the Middle East Institute, and is author of the book “The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence,” concerning the CIA’s post 9/11 transformation. Mr. London has been a contributor to the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Politico, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Hill, CNN, Just Security, The Atlantic Council and the Middle East Institute.

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In this episode, we delve into the covert world of espionage and intelligence operations. From the rigorous training and psychological conditioning that mold the minds of intelligence officers to the art of asset recruitment, listeners will gain an inside look at the secretive techniques used to gather information and outmaneuver adversaries. We’ll explore real-world case studies of recruitment operations, discuss the ethical dilemmas officers face, and examine how modern technology is transforming spycraft. Join us as we uncover the intricate web of deception, loyalty, and strategy that defines the intelligence community.

Questions covered in this episode:

1. What are the ethical challenges intelligence officers face when recruiting assets in hostile or high-risk environments? What kind of risks do intelligence officers take when trying to turn a target into an asset?
2. Can you discuss how modern technology, such as social media and digital communications, is influencing intelligence recruitment today?
3. How does an intelligence officer maintain control and communication with recruited assets, especially in hostile or unstable regions?
4. What are some real-world examples where the recruitment of a key asset significantly impacted the outcome of an intelligence mission?

About the guest speaker:

Mr. Lawler serves as a national security consultant and is the Senior Partner at MDO Group, which provides HUMINT training to the Intelligence Community and the commercial sector focused on WMD, CI, technical and cyber issues. Mr. Lawler is a noted speaker on the Insider Threat in government and industry and has been the guest on numerous national podcasts. Prior to this, Mr. Lawler served for 25 years as a CIA operations officer in various international posts and as Chief of the Counterproliferation Division’s Special Activities Unit. He had five overseas assignments from 1982 to 1994.

Mr. Lawler was a member of CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service (SIS-3) from 1998 until his retirement in 2005. He was a specialist in the recruitment of foreign spies, and he spent well over half of his CIA career battling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As Chief of the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Takedown Team, which resulted in the disruption of the most dangerous nuclear weapons network in history, Mr. Lawler was the recipient of one of the CIA’s Trailblazer Awards in 2007, marking the 60th anniversary of CIA. In 2004, former DCI George Tenet sent Mr. Lawler a note which stated, “Jim, what you and your team have achieved will rank up there as one of the most spectacular intelligence accomplishments in the history of the CIA. It occurred because of your exemplary leadership. Not only are we in the process of taking down a network, we are also in the process of disarming a country as a result of your fine work. With respect, George J. Tenet” And former DDCI John McLaughlin noted that the effort was “the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a perfect intelligence operation.”

Mr. Lawler also received the Director’s Award from DCI George Tenet, the U.S. Intelligence Community’s HUMINT Collector of the Year Award, and the Donovan Award from the CIA’s Deputy Director of Operations.

Prior to his career in intelligence, Mr. Lawler practiced law and was the president of a steel components company in Texas. He has written two novels: Living Lies, an espionage story of the Iranian nuclear weapons program, and In the Twinkling of an Eye, about recruiting a spy at the heart of a devastating covert Russian-North Korean genetic bioweapons program. Both have been cleared by the CIA’s Publication Review Board. Living Lies was published in August 2021, and In the Twinkling of an Eye was published in April 2022. In December 2022, Spyscape named Living Lies as #38 on its list of Fifty Best Spy Novels ever written, according to other intelligence officers. He is currently completing his third espionage novel, The Traitor’s Tale, about treachery and treason deep within the CIA.

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Questions covered in this episode:

1. Introduction to subject matter expert.
2. Can you tell us briefly about your journey as an Intelligence Officer?
3. What are the key skills and traits intelligence agencies look for in potential recruits for intelligence officer roles?
4. Can you walk us through the typical training process for becoming an intelligence officer?
5. What types of real-world scenarios are used in training to prepare recruits for intelligence operations?

About the guest speaker:

Mr. Lawler serves as a national security consultant and is the Senior Partner at MDO Group, which provides HUMINT training to the Intelligence Community and the commercial sector focused on WMD, CI, technical and cyber issues. Mr. Lawler is a noted speaker on the Insider Threat in government and industry and has been the guest on numerous national podcasts. Prior to this, Mr. Lawler served for 25 years as a CIA operations officer in various international posts and as Chief of the Counterproliferation Division’s Special Activities Unit. He had five overseas assignments from 1982 to 1994.

Mr. Lawler was a member of CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service (SIS-3) from 1998 until his retirement in 2005. He was a specialist in the recruitment of foreign spies, and he spent well over half of his CIA career battling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As Chief of the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Takedown Team, which resulted in the disruption of the most dangerous nuclear weapons network in history, Mr. Lawler was the recipient of one of the CIA’s Trailblazer Awards in 2007, marking the 60th anniversary of CIA. In 2004, former DCI George Tenet sent Mr. Lawler a note which stated, “Jim, what you and your team have achieved will rank up there as one of the most spectacular intelligence accomplishments in the history of the CIA. It occurred because of your exemplary leadership. Not only are we in the process of taking down a network, we are also in the process of disarming a country as a result of your fine work. With respect, George J. Tenet” And former DDCI John McLaughlin noted that the effort was “the closest thing I’ve ever seen to a perfect intelligence operation.”

Mr. Lawler also received the Director’s Award from DCI George Tenet, the U.S. Intelligence Community’s HUMINT Collector of the Year Award, and the Donovan Award from the CIA’s Deputy Director of Operations.

Prior to his career in intelligence, Mr. Lawler practiced law and was the president of a steel components company in Texas. He has written two novels: Living Lies, an espionage story of the Iranian nuclear weapons program, and In the Twinkling of an Eye, about recruiting a spy at the heart of a devastating covert Russian-North Korean genetic bioweapons program. Both have been cleared by the CIA’s Publication Review Board. Living Lies was published in August 2021, and In the Twinkling of an Eye was published in April 2022. In December 2022, Spyscape named Living Lies as #38 on its list of Fifty Best Spy Novels ever written, according to other intelligence officers. He is currently completing his third espionage novel, The Traitor’s Tale, about treachery and treason deep within the CIA.

If you find our podcast insightful, please like, share, and subscribe on ⁠⁠www.accesshub.space and ⁠www.oknikam.eu⁠.

In this episode, we discuss one of the most critical regions shaping the future of global stability. As the Indo-Pacific emerges as a central hub for international trade, military alliances, and geopolitical maneuvering, we explore how nations within the region are influencing global peace and security. From maritime security and freedom of navigation to the strategic interests of major powers like the US, China, India, and Japan, we analyze the complex dynamics at play. Join us as we unpack the region’s evolving role in fostering cooperation, mitigating conflicts, and addressing pressing challenges such as territorial disputes and power competition.

Questions covered in this episode:

1. In what ways has China’s Belt and Road Initiative impacted the Indo-Pacific’s political and economic landscape?
2. What is the role of regional alliances and partnerships, like the Quad and AUKUS, in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific?
3. How is climate change affecting security and geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in vulnerable island nations?
4. What are the potential flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific that could trigger wider conflicts, and how can they be mitigated?
5. How do global institutions like the United Nations and international law shape the resolution of disputes and conflicts in the Indo-Pacific?
6. What message would you like to give to the researchers, students, and experts working in the international affairs and security domain?

About the guest speaker:

Dr. Joanna Siekiera is an international lawyer and works as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, War Studies University in Warsaw, Poland. She is also a fellow at the US Marine Corps University in Quantico and supports various military institutions, primarily NATO, as a legal advisor.

Dr. Siekiera did her postdoctoral research at the Faculty of Law, University of Bergen, Norway, and Ph.D. studies in New Zealand at the Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington. She worked in Polish diplomatic missions in Canada and Estonia.

She is the author of over 100 scientific publications in several languages, legal opinions for the Polish Ministry of Justice, the book “Regional Policy in the South Pacific”, and the editor of 9 monographs on international law, international relations, and security. Her areas of expertise are the law of armed conflict (lawfare, legal culture in armed conflict, NATO legal framework) and the Indo-Pacific region, Pacific law, and maritime security.

Dr. Siekiera took part in over 80 interviews and podcasts promoting science, interdisciplinary, and multidimensional research. She speaks 8 languages and currently is learning Chinese.

1. “Europe’s Role in Indo-Pacific Security with Dr. Joanna Siekiera” Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) 18.07.2024 [USA]
2. “21st Century as the Pacific Century” New Books Network 18.06.2024 [USA]
3. “Decoding Crisis in the Indo-Pacific | Dr. Joanna Siekiera | Exclusive Interview” The Prode 24.05.2024 [United Kingdom]
4. “Joanna Siekiera on China” Cognitive Crucible Podcast 18.03.2024 [USA]
5. “Dragons in the West: Chinese Communist Party Threats in Europe and the Imperative of a Strategic Pivot” Irregular Warfare Initiative 27.02.2024 [USA].

If you find our podcast insightful, please like, share, and subscribe on ⁠⁠www.accesshub.space and ⁠www.oknikam.eu⁠.

Questions covered in this episode:

1. Introduction to subject matter expert.
2. Why is the Indo-Pacific considered one of the most strategically important regions for global peace and security?
3. How has the Indo-Pacific evolved in recent years as a center of geopolitical tension and cooperation?
4. What role do major powers like the U.S., China, India, Australia, and Japan play in shaping security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific?
5. Can you also tell us about the interest of NATO countries in the Indo-Pacific region?
6. How does maritime security in the Indo-Pacific influence global trade routes and economic stability?
7. How do smaller nations in the Indo-Pacific, such as those in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, navigate the influence of larger powers in the region?

About the guest speaker:

Dr. Joanna Siekiera is an international lawyer and works as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, War Studies University in Warsaw, Poland. She is also a fellow at the US Marine Corps University in Quantico and supports various military institutions, primarily NATO, as a legal advisor.

Dr. Siekiera did her postdoctoral research at the Faculty of Law, University of Bergen, Norway, and Ph.D. studies in New Zealand at the Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington. She worked in Polish diplomatic missions in Canada and Estonia.

She is the author of over 100 scientific publications in several languages, legal opinions for the Polish Ministry of Justice, the book “Regional Policy in the South Pacific”, and the editor of 9 monographs on international law, international relations, and security. Her areas of expertise are the law of armed conflict (lawfare, legal culture in armed conflict, NATO legal framework) and the Indo-Pacific region, Pacific law, and maritime security.

Dr. Siekiera took part in over 80 interviews and podcasts promoting science, interdisciplinary, and multidimensional research. She speaks 8 languages and currently is learning Chinese.

1. “Europe’s Role in Indo-Pacific Security with Dr. Joanna Siekiera” Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) 18.07.2024 [USA]
2. “21st Century as the Pacific Century” New Books Network 18.06.2024 [USA]
3. “Decoding Crisis in the Indo-Pacific | Dr. Joanna Siekiera | Exclusive Interview” The Prode 24.05.2024 [United Kingdom]
4. “Joanna Siekiera on China” Cognitive Crucible Podcast 18.03.2024 [USA]
5. “Dragons in the West: Chinese Communist Party Threats in Europe and the Imperative of a Strategic Pivot” Irregular Warfare Initiative 27.02.2024 [USA].

If you find our podcast insightful, please like, share, and subscribe on ⁠⁠www.accesshub.space and ⁠www.oknikam.eu⁠.

In this episode, we delve into the complex dynamics shaping Afghanistan under Taliban rule. As the country grapples with internal governance challenges and global isolation, we explore how its relationships with neighboring nations—Pakistan, Iran, China, and India—are evolving. We also assess the impact of regional alliances, economic dependencies, and the broader geopolitical stakes involving major global powers. From humanitarian crises to security concerns and shifting diplomatic strategies, this episode provides an in-depth analysis of Afghanistan’s current crossroads and its implications for regional stability and global interests. Listen to the full episode below:

Questions covered in this episode:

1. More than three years after the US and NATO withdrawal, how is Afghanistan perceived by Western powers? Have any strategic interests shifted in the region?
2. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has the potential to reshape Afghanistan’s infrastructure. How involved is Afghanistan in the BRI, and what are the potential outcomes of deeper cooperation with China?
3. What role, if any, do international organizations like the UN and regional bodies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization play in shaping Afghanistan’s future?
4. Looking forward, what are the key challenges and opportunities that Afghanistan faces under the current regime? How can it strike a balance between preserving sovereignty and engaging with the international community?
5. What message would you like to give to the researchers, students, and experts working in the geopolitics or international affairs domain?

About the guest speaker:

Sadiq Amini is a seasoned expert in Public Diplomacy and International Security, with over a decade of experience in U.S. foreign policy and security. He is currently working on expanding an Anti-Taliban Wave aimed at liberating Afghanistan and its women from the Taliban’s oppressive rule. In his prior roles, he led policy analysis and outreach initiatives, notably advising on the U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement. His leadership during Operation Allies Refuge earned him the U.S. Department of State Heroism Award. Sadiq holds advanced degrees in Diplomacy and International Security and serves on the Board of the Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center (IROC).

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Questions covered in this episode:

1. Introduction to subject matter expert.
2. How has Afghanistan’s internal political structure evolved since the Taliban regained power in 2021? What are the key changes in governance?
3. What is the current state of human rights in Afghanistan, particularly with respect to women, minorities, and freedom of the press under Taliban rule?
4. How have neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, Iran, and China adjusted their foreign policies to engage with Afghanistan under Taliban control?
5. Pakistan has historically had a complex relationship with Afghanistan. How has the Taliban’s rule affected Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, particularly in terms of security and trade?
6. Afghanistan’s location at the crossroads of Central Asia has strategic implications. How has the Taliban government influenced relationships with Central Asian republics, especially concerning trade and security?

About the guest speaker:

Sadiq Amini is a seasoned expert in Public Diplomacy and International Security, with over a decade of experience in U.S. foreign policy and security. He is currently working on expanding an Anti-Taliban Wave aimed at liberating Afghanistan and its women from the Taliban’s oppressive rule. In his prior roles, he led policy analysis and outreach initiatives, notably advising on the U.S.-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement. His leadership during Operation Allies Refuge earned him the U.S. Department of State Heroism Award. Sadiq holds advanced degrees in Diplomacy and International Security and serves on the Board of the Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center (IROC).

If you find our podcast insightful, please like, share, and subscribe on ⁠⁠www.accesshub.space and ⁠www.oknikam.eu⁠.

In this episode, we explore Europe’s evolving strategic ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on its geopolitical and economic interests. As global power shifts increasingly towards Asia, the European Union and key member states are developing policies to enhance their presence and influence. We’ll dive into the challenges Europe faces, including balancing relations with China, ensuring maritime security, and fostering partnerships with regional players like Japan and India. Join us as we analyze the strategic goals, the realities on the ground, and the potential long-term impact of Europe’s Indo-Pacific engagement. Watch the full episode below:

Questions covered in the podcast:

1. What impact does Europe’s approach in the Indo-Pacific have on its relationships with ASEAN countries? 
2. How does Europe balance its Indo-Pacific ambitions with its ties to China, especially considering economic dependencies? 
3. How do considerations regarding the transatlantic relationship influence European approaches to the Indo-Pacific? 
4. What role does digital and technological cooperation play in Europe’s Indo-Pacific engagement? 
5. What are the long-term prospects for Europe’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific, and how might they evolve? 
6. Now that we have covered the topic in-depth, let’s turn to work in the international relations domain. Which message or advice would you give to researchers, students, and experts?

About the guest speaker:

Gesine Weber is a fellow on GMF’s Geostrategy team, where she works on European security and defense issues. Based in Paris, she focuses on EU defense initiatives, security and defense policy of the E3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom), and Europe’s role in the global order.

During a 2024 fellowship at the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute for War and Peace Studies at Columbia University, Weber led a research project on European balancing in the Indo-Pacific in the context of US-China competition.

Prior to joining GMF, she worked as a defense policy adviser at the German parliament and as a consultant for the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation in Shanghai. Weber is pursuing a PhD in defense studies at King’s College London, where she is part of the European Foreign Policy Research Group and contributes to the work of the Centre for Grand Strategy. She is an associate researcher for the European Council on Foreign Relations and a nonresident Hans J. Morgenthau Fellow at the Notre Dame Center for International Security.

Weber holds a master’s degree in European affairs from Sciences Po in Paris and another master’s degree in political science from the Freie Universität Berlin. She studied Mandarin at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. Her writing and commentary appears regularly in English, French, and German in European and other international media, including the BBC, the Neue Züercher Zeitung, Politico, and France 24.

If you find our podcast insightful, please like, share, and subscribe on ⁠⁠www.accesshub.space and ⁠www.oknikam.eu⁠.