The National Intelligence Strategy with Michael Collins of the National Intelligence Council
Sep 1, 2023
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David Kris talks with Michael Collins, acting head of the National Intelligence Council, about the National Intelligence Strategy, U.S. national security, defense, cyber, and intelligence strategy. They also discuss the increasing geopolitical significance of non-state entities and the concept of intelligence itself. Collins shares insights into his career in the U.S. intelligence community and his thoughts about the future of U.S. intelligence.
Redefining intelligence as being smarter than competitors by embracing non-state entities and non-traditional factors.
Focusing on major power competition, enhancing partnerships, embracing diverse talent, and strengthening capabilities to address evolving challenges.
Deep dives
The Evolving Role of Intelligence in a Complex World
The podcast discusses the changing definition of intelligence and emphasizes the importance of being open to a broader range of information sources, including non-state entities and non-traditional factors. By redefining intelligence as the condition of being smarter and more insightful than competitors, the podcast highlights the need to rethink traditional approaches and embrace a more integrated and expansive perspective. It also emphasizes the significance of technology and its impact on global competition, as well as the increasing influence of non-state actors in shaping geopolitics. The podcast suggests that the intelligence community needs to adapt and strengthen partnerships, both with the private sector and non-state experts, to better navigate the complex international arena.
The National Intelligence Strategy and its Objectives
The podcast explores the newly released National Intelligence Strategy and its objectives. It highlights the alignment between the strategy and the broader National Security Strategy and emphasizes its focus on major power competition, particularly with China and Russia. The strategy also recognizes the increasing importance of non-state entities and transnational issues, such as climate change and disease, in shaping national security. The podcast discusses the interdependence of the strategy's six actions and how they aim to enhance the intelligence community's capabilities, partnerships, and resilience. It also emphasizes the need for innovative and interoperable solutions and the attraction of diverse talent to address the evolving challenges.
The Role of Non-State Entities and Technology
The podcast highlights the growing significance of non-state entities and technology in the geopolitical landscape. It emphasizes that technology plays a central role in global competition, particularly in areas like AI, communication, and governance standards. It acknowledges the influence of non-state experts and their contributions to intelligence, calling for increased collaboration and information sharing. The podcast also discusses the impact of social media as a platform for non-state actors, enabling them to have greater influence and affect transnational issues. It suggests that understanding and engaging with these non-state entities are critical for effectively addressing national security challenges.
Envisioning the Future of the Intelligence Community
The podcast concludes by considering the future of the intelligence community and the need for retooling and adapting to meet evolving challenges. It highlights the importance of normalizing intelligence work and fostering greater collaboration with external stakeholders, including non-state experts. The podcast also emphasizes the ongoing efforts to make intelligence work more rewarding, innovative, and resilient. It stresses the importance of reflecting on success indicators and evaluating the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives. Overall, the podcast offers a compelling vision for the intelligence community to navigate a complex and interconnected world.
The National Intelligence Strategy is out, and David Kris, a founder of Culper Partners, sat down to talk about it with Michael Collins, the acting head of the National Intelligence Council. They discussed many aspects of U.S. national security, defense, cyber, and intelligence strategy, including the increasing geopolitical significance of non-state entities, and even the meaning of the word intelligence itself. They also cover Mike's long and illustrious career inside the U.S. intelligence community and his thoughts about the future of U.S. intelligence.
