Sue Gordon, fmr ODNI/NGA/CIA: OSINT, Cybersecurity, War
Aug 22, 2023
38:12
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Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Sue Gordon, discusses shifting global power dynamics, cyber defense, and the expanding threat landscape. They explore open source intelligence (OSINT), satellite technology, geospatial intelligence, and the dynamics of coalitions. They also discuss INQTEL, the CIA's technology investment arm, and Sue Gordon's extensive experience at the helm of various CIA departments.
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Quick takeaways
The conditions of technology ubiquity, digital connectedness, and data abundance shape the threats and advantages in the digital and data-driven world.
China is skilled at using open source intelligence (OSINT) to its advantage, highlighting the need for the US intelligence community to embrace open information and interpret it effectively.
Deep dives
The Threat of Information and Technology
Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, discusses the three interesting conditions of the current world: technology ubiquity, digital connectedness, and data abundance. She explains how these conditions shape the threats and advantages in the digital and data-driven world. Gordon highlights that cyber offense is a strength of the US, while cyber defense remains a challenge due to the openness of society. She also suggests that China is skilled at open source intelligence and emphasizes the need for the US intelligence community to embrace open information and apply their craft to interpret it.
The Democratization of Space and National Security
Gordon discusses the democratization of space and the increasing accessibility of satellite data. While acknowledging the advantages of abundant satellite imagery and insights, she also raises concerns about the increased transparency and potential targeting of commercial satellite assets. Gordon stresses the need for the US to be innovative in its systems, leveraging the cost curve of satellite technology to its advantage.
The Role of Open Source Intelligence
The podcast explores the rise of open source intelligence (OSINT) and its impact on the intelligence community. Gordon identifies China as a country skilled at using open information to its advantage. She suggests that new entrants in the intelligence game may rely more on open source information, while the US intelligence community, historically focused on obtaining secrets, may lag in utilizing OSINT effectively. Gordon emphasizes the importance of applying craft and trade craft to assess and interpret open information accurately.
The Intelligence Community and the Challenges of an Open Society
Gordon discusses the challenges faced by the intelligence community in a hyper-partisan environment that questions its integrity. She highlights the cultural aspect of intelligence work and the responsibility of the community to constantly assess and adapt to new realities. While acknowledging areas where the intelligence community may fall short, Gordon emphasizes the importance of trust in institutions and the need for leaders to value and protect intelligence expertise.
Sue Gordon is the former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. She had a 30+ year career with the CIA, as well as serving as Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
Auren and Sue discuss shifting global power dynamics and the nature of modern intelligence in an ever-evolving world. They delve into the realm of cyber defense and Sue gives an overview of the expanding threat landscape that stretches far beyond government borders. They also discuss open source intelligence (OSINT) and the cutting-edge world of satellite technology and geospatial intelligence.
Sue and Auren also explore the dynamics of coalitions and how they’ve challenged established perceptions about military invasions and global power dynamics in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. They also discuss the inner workings of INQTEL, the CIA's technology investment arm, and get a firsthand account of Sue Gordon's extensive experience at the helm of various CIA departments.