“The Skinny on Cuban Intelligence” – with Counterintelligence expert Ean Forsythe

Summary

Ean Forsythe joins Andrew to discuss the history of Cuban intelligence. Ean is the Counterintelligence and Security Center Chair at the National Intelligence University. 

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The history and evolution of Cuban intelligence
• Case studies, including Ana Montes, Kendall Meyers, and the Cuban Five
• Counterintelligence strategies and challenges
• The role of Cuban intelligence during the Cold War

Reflections

• Ideology and the power of ideas
• Offensive vs. defensive play 

And much, much more …

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• Code Name Blue Wren: Cuban Spy Ana Montes with Jim Popkin (2023)
• The Counterintelligence Chief with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler (2023)
• Dealing with Russia – A Conversation with Counterintelligence Legend Jim Olson (2022)

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Code Name Blue Wren: The True Story of America's Most Dangerous Female Spy—and the Sister She Betrayed, J. Popkin (Hanover, 2023)
• To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence, J. M. Olson (Georgetown University Press, 2021)
• United States-Cuban Relations: A Critical History, E. M. Dominguez (Lexington, 2008)

Primary Sources 

• Report on the Convictions and Disproportionate Sentences Imposed on the Cuban Five (2014)
• USA: The Case of the Cuban Five (2010)
• Inspector General Review of Ana Montes Investigation (2005)
• US vs. Marta Rita Velazquez (2004)
• Ana Montes Statement During Trial (2001)
• FBI Arrests DIA Employee (2001)
• Selection and Training of Cuban Intelligence Agents Abroad (1964)
• Cuban Intelligence Information Report (1964)

*Wildcard Resource*

• Watch Erin bake Ana Montes’ famous cheesecake recipe and dive deeper into Ana’s story in SPY's Declassified Desserts video!