The technological advancements of the last two decades have made it more challenging for intelligence services to operate clandestinely in foreign countries, as the traditional ways of getting across borders no longer apply. The CIA must learn more about the digital domain and its use by foreign intelligence services and adversaries to continue operating around the world.
The host discusses their worry about the competence of government and military, and the issues that arise from politics dictating substantive decisions, which are usually weak or wrong. They also talk about Putin's capabilities as a politician and KGB agent.
The speaker explains how working with different groups, such as SEALs and spies, allowed him to learn a variety of skills and become more well-rounded in his work.
Going on operations as a commander is essential to understand the conditions and nuances under which the team is operating, to effectively share danger with team members, and to gain a deeper appreciation for their work.
Former CIA officer talks about the effectiveness of combining human intelligence, ISR and signals intelligence for manhunting; mentions the drone strike that killed Gassim Soleimani as an example.