NatSec Matters Targeting a Nuclear Smuggler: Jim Lawler
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Jan 17, 2024 Former Chief of the CIA's Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit, Jim Lawler, discusses targeting the 'Father of Pakistan's Nuclear Program' Abdul Qadeer Khan. He also talks about his espionage novels and the challenges of dealing with non-state worldwide networks. The podcast explores the life and actions of nuclear smuggler Akukan, Khan's influence in Pakistan, unraveling Khan's nuclear network, and the role of human intelligence in the modern era.
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A Budding Author
- Jim Lawler always wanted to write a novel, even mentioning it in his CIA interview.
- Despite initial skepticism from his interviewer, he pursued his passion after a fulfilling career in operations.
An Unlikely Path
- Jim Lawler's path to the CIA began unexpectedly after an interview for a legal position.
- Years later, after an unfulfilling job, he reconnected with the agency and found his passion in clandestine operations.
The Khan Network
- A.Q. Khan, driven by Pakistan's rivalry with India, stole nuclear secrets and built a proliferation network.
- His network was unique as the first known private WMD proliferation effort, shocking intelligence agencies.