Ursula Wilder

In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell speaks with Ursula Wilder, a clinical psychologist at the Central Intelligence Agency, about why intelligence agencies conduct psychological profiles of world leaders, and how past policymakers have used what they have learned to make strategic decisions. Wilder, who also worked in CIA's counterterrorism center and Medical and Psychological Assessments unit, explains the "dark tetrad" of personality -- narcissism, paranoia, Machiavellianism and sadism -- and how those traits can influence how leaders make decisions and engage in negotiations. She and Morell also discuss how policymakers respond to psychological profiles compiled by government agencies.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A CIA psychologist discusses psychology's role in national security and historical leadership analysis. Topics include leadership personality assessments during the Cuban Missile Crisis, psychoanalytic theory in espionage, and reflections on human nature. The podcast explores intelligence officers' fantasies of seeing their opponent's psych assessments and historical figures' leadership styles through personal interactions.

Discover how psychology intersects with intelligence as Dr. Ursula Wilder shares insights on leadership, personality assessments during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the use of psychoanalytic theory in espionage. Explore historical examples of leadership analysis, reflections on human nature throughout history, and the fascinating relationship dynamics between world leaders like Charles De Gaulle and Winston Churchill.

Dr. Ursula Wilder discusses psychology and intelligence, leadership assessments during the Cuban Missile Crisis, historical examples, and human nature in espionage. Insights into analyzing world leaders' hidden behaviors and communication dynamics between Spartans and Alexander the Great.

A CIA psychologist discusses psychology's role in intelligence and national security, leadership personality assessments during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the intersection of psychoanalytic theory and espionage, the significance of historical understanding in human nature, and the repetition of history in leadership analysis.