The Team House Former CIA Analyst on Counterintelligence | David McCloskey | Ep. 305
Oct 22, 2024
David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and author of notable espionage-themed novels, shares captivating insights about the realms of counterintelligence. He delves into the moral complexities of espionage, highlighting the blurred lines of good and evil. McCloskey discusses recruitment tactics used by foreign powers and the emotional toll on operatives. He also reflects on the balance between realism and storytelling in spy narratives, particularly how individual motivations shape intelligence operations. The conversation touches on the evolving dynamics of U.S. counterintelligence.
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Shared Trauma
- David McCloskey's characters share a pivotal experience in Afghanistan.
- This shared trauma shapes their relationships and the novel's core conflict.
Paranoia in CI
- The constant threat of missing a hidden mole causes paranoia.
- This paranoia is a significant challenge in counterintelligence.
CI Investigations
- Counterintelligence investigations are slow, tedious, and demanding.
- These investigations often involve building complex matrices of anomalies and discrepancies.
