NatSec Matters

Former NSA Deputy Director, George Barnes, discusses NSA missions in signals intelligence and cybersecurity, adapting to strategic challenges like China and Russia. He shares insights on quantum computing, AI, and recruiting skilled workers for the agency.

Andy talks with Michael about his June Foreign Affairs article, “The Terrorism Warning Lights Are Blinking Red Again: Echoes of the Run-Up to 9/11,” co-written with Graham Allison. Michael discusses the pre-9/11 threat and national security parallels with today’s environment. He also shares his assessment of a newly unsealed 1999 video from Saudi intelligence officer Omar al-Bayoumi, which Michael says appears to be ‘casing’ footage of the US Capitol. Additionally, Michael talks with Andy about the security vulnerabilities at the US-Mexico border.

Former daily intelligence briefers for President George W. Bush, Michael and Andy, discuss their experiences and challenges inside the Oval Office. They share insights on briefing the President, delivering difficult news, providing feedback to senior officials, and the dynamics of effective intelligence briefings. The episode also includes personal anecdotes of interactions at the White House.

Chris Miller, Author of 'Chip War' and Associate Professor, discusses global chip manufacturing, US semiconductor innovation, competition with China, Taiwan's leadership in chip production, and the geopolitical impact of chip industry concentration. The conversation explores TSMC's unique business model, potential reshoring of chip production to the US, and the intersection of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing with the chip industry.

Steve Bowsher, CEO of In-Q-Tel, discusses investing in startups for national security, AI, biosecurity, and global expansion. He explores bridging startups with government agencies, success factors in venture capitalism, and risks in the national security sector.

Ret. General John W. 'Jay' Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force, shares insights on leading space operations, threats from China and Russia, collaborating with commercial partners, the future of space as a strategic domain, and the impact of commercial space capabilities on national security.

Andy talks with Arun Gupta, a venture capitalism lecturer at Stanford University and an adjunct entrepreneurship professor at Georgetown. Arun is also the CEO of the NobleReach Foundation, which focuses on catalyzing and inspiring a renewed spirit of national service through innovation. He is the author of "Venture Meets Mission: Aligning People, Purpose, and Profit to Innovate and Transform Society." In their discussion, Arun shares insights from his experience and book on how to better partner entrepreneurs and the government to solve large problems through a renewed focus on outcomes-based collaboration, and to inspire young people to consider public service careers. Gupta advocates leveraging the optimism of entrepreneurs and the scale of government to address issues like national security, health tech, and climate change.

Asfandyar Mir, South Asia expert at USIP, discusses US-Pakistan relations, China's influence on Pakistan, Pakistani Taliban, and Al-Qaeda's status post Afghanistan withdrawal. He also reflects on academic paths, Pakistan's fragility, and the potential for US-Pakistan collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.

Beth Sanner, former CIA analyst, discusses the Israel-Gaza conflict, complexities in the Middle East, rebuilding Gaza, deterrence strategies between Iran and Israel, personal growth reflections, her journey to leadership in the intelligence community, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and US credibility in global relations.

Retired FBI Special Agent Peter Lapp discusses 'Queen of Cuba', a book detailing Ana Montes, a spy for Cuba for 17 years. They delve into Montes's audacious activities, her arrest post 9/11, and her current whereabouts, exploring the challenges of investigating a female high-performing spy and her unconventional espionage methods.