SpyTalk

“Broken”

Jun 16, 2022

Former top CIA, Pentagon, and State Department intelligence official Carl Ford discusses the flaws and failures of the intelligence community, highlighting the neglect of specialized offices. The podcast also explores the limitations of current reporting and emphasizes the need for comprehensive research in the intelligence community. In addition, domestic extremism expert Jon Lewis delves into the rise of white supremacist violence, discussing the interconnectedness of extremist movements and their influence on mainstream Republican thinking.

48:50

Creator website

Episode guests

Carl Ford

Jon Lewis

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

US intelligence is criticized as 'broken' due to faulty predictions and lack of research, suggesting the need for prioritizing understanding and analysis.

The episode examines the violent neo-Nazi organization Patriot Front, highlighting its ideologies, connections to previous violence, and targeting of pride events.

Deep dives

US Intelligence is Broken

US intelligence veteran Carl Ford criticizes the state of US intelligence, calling it 'broken' and highlighting its faulty predictions, lack of research, and emphasis on current reporting over in-depth analysis. He suggests that managers need to prioritize research and understanding in order to improve the quality of intelligence.

Introduction

4min

The Broken U.S. Intelligence System and the Neglect of Specialized Offices

2min

Shift in Focus: From Specialized Research to Current Reporting at the CIA

2min

Intelligence Failures and Research Framework

17min

The Limitations of Current Reporting and the Need for Comprehensive Research

7min

The Rise and Connectedness of the Patriot Front

16min

Extremist Neo-Nazi Group and its Influence on Mainstream Republican Thinking

2min

Former top CIA, Pentagon, and State Department intelligence official Carl Ford tells Jeff Stein US intelligence is “broken.” Domestic extremism expert Jon Lewis discusses the uptick in white supremacist violence with Jeanne Meserve

Guests:

Carl Ford

twitter.com/CarlWFord1

The Footnote

https://fordc.substack.com/

Jon Lewis

https://twitter.com/Jon_Lewis27

The Program on Extremism at George Washington University

https://twitter.com/gwupoe

Follow Jeanne Meserve on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JeanneMeserve

https://www.jeannemeserve.com/