Former counterintelligence boss warns of the mortal threat posed by Chinese espionage. Clandestine plot by Reagan campaign manager to deny Jimmy Carter re-election discussed. Florida's legislation to combat Chinese corporate espionage and influence on academic institutions examined. Importance of data in spycraft and AI, along with security risks, explored. Dangers of data breaches and intelligence gathering highlighted. Vulnerabilities of open societies and lack of investment in securing ecosystems discussed. Espionage cases and lack of bipartisan independent commission mentioned. Partisan Republican operatives' behavior and historical influences explored.

In this episode of SpyTalk, former US National Counterintelligence and Security Center Director, William Evanina, discusses the recent surge in ransomware attacks and suggests drastic measures for the US government to take, including threatening to pull out of the summit with Putin and showing the ability to shut down Russian infrastructure. The chapter also explores the evolving tactics of ransomware attacks, the need for international unity in addressing cyber threats, and the importance of CEOs prioritizing cybersecurity.

Former top FBI agent expresses concern about domestic extremism and potential plots. Investigative reporter reveals a secret Pentagon army known as 'signature reduction'. Delve into the creation and risks of false identities for military spies. In-depth look at the estimated number of military operatives and their roles. Lack of oversight and potential for corruption in secret programs. Motivations of operatives and challenges in obtaining information. Discussion on the rise of domestic violent extremism in the US and its implications.

Former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Juliette Kayyem discusses the mess in DHS' intelligence shop. Barry Meier talks about his book 'Spooked' which explores the rise of private spies and the spread of unproven information in journalism.

Leon Panetta, former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense, reflects on regrets and missed opportunities during his tenure. He discusses the successful mission to capture Osama bin Laden, defends effective interrogation techniques, and highlights the threat of the Trump extremist takeover. Panetta also talks about finding joy through his son's career in politics.

CIA veteran and Middle East expert Marc Polymeropoulos talks about the shift away from regional expertise in the CIA and the importance of specialists. He laments the passing of Charlie Seidel, the CIA's 'last great Arabist.' The podcast also discusses the consequences of the US invasion of Iraq, the rising presence of ISIS in Africa, and the need to prioritize expertise and relationships in intelligence gathering.

Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discusses combatting disinformation attacks from Russia, China, Iran, and Venezuela. Former top CIA analyst Mathew Burrows highlights how US intelligence is overwhelmed with immediate threats. Janis Shinwari, an Afghan interpreter, shares the fear of being left behind and killed by the Taliban. The podcast also covers the challenges of evacuating interpreters, unfair polygraph tests in visa applications, the threat of disinformation to democracy, social media's role in tackling misinformation, and the challenge of China for the intelligence community.

Mark Zaid, lawyer for CIA and State Department victims, discusses directed-energy attacks in Washington. Ronen Bergman explores Israeli assassination operations on Iran's nuclear scientists. Gilman Louie, a technology venture capitalist, talks about the perils of losing the race on artificial intelligence to adversaries.

Lisa Curtis, former CIA expert on the region, discusses the CIA's eviction from Afghanistan. Alma Katsu, former CIA and NSA analyst, talks about her new thriller book 'Red Widow'. Topics include US troop withdrawal, challenges for CIA operatives, Taliban's resurgence, and gender equality in the intelligence community.

Washington Post journalist Joby Warrick discusses an extraordinary CIA operation in Syria and former NSA Director Admiral Mike Rogers talks about US responses to Russian, Chinese, and other adversary hacking.