Secrets and Spies is an enthralling podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and intern...
S9 Ep11: Far-Right Extremism Under Trump 2.0 with Jacob Ware
In this episode, Matt is joined again by Jacob Ware, a counterterrorism expert with the Council on Foreign Relations and co-author of God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America. They discuss the unsettling question of what far-right extremism, with its proponents feeling emboldened and legitimized by Donald Trump’s election, might look like during his second term in office.
Jacob helps unpack how these movements are evolving, the risks they pose to democratic institutions, and what the next four years might hold for these groups in terms of recruitment, violence, and public visibility of their hateful worldview. It’s a critical conversation we hope you’ll find steers away from hyperbole, focusing instead on historical lessons and current dynamics shaping this moment.
So, grab your coffee—or maybe something stronger—and join us for an in-depth look at the challenges ahead.
Get Jacob’s book God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America:
https://www.cfr.org/book/god-guns-and-sedition
https://www.amazon.com/God-Guns-Sedition-Far-Right-Terrorism/dp/0231211228
Jacob’s work for the Council on Foreign Relations: https://www.cfr.org/expert/jacob-ware
Jacob’s work for Lawfare: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/contributors/jware
Follow Jacob on Bluesky & X
https://bsky.app/profile/jacobware.bsky.social
https://x.com/Jacob_A_Ware
Relevant articles and reporting
"Understanding the Threats to US Election Security in 2024" by Kat Duffy & Jacob Ware | Council on Foreign Relations
"The Terrorist Threat from the Fractured Far Right" by Bruce Hoffman & Jacob Ware | Lawfare
"The Proud Boys Love a Winner" by Juliette Kayyem | The Atlantic
"Far-right extremists celebrate, see opportunity in second Trump win" by Hannah Allam | The Washington Post
"Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, sparks alarm over far-right extremism" by Alice Herman | The Guardian
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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57:10
S9 Ep10: Espresso Martini | Trump’s Coming War on the Intelligence Community, Russia’s Sabotage Campaign, and America’s Future at a Crossroads
In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt examine the potentially seismic shifts for the US and the Western alliance if Trump executes his plans to overhaul the federal workforce. They discuss the risk of a mass exodus of career officials, the politicization of intelligence agencies, and the broader implications for national security. They also explore Garrett Graff’s thought-provoking scenarios for America’s future, comparing the possibility of federal collapse to a fragmented state-driven system akin to Europe. In addition, the hosts explore Russia’s alleged GRU-led sabotage of European air cargo hubs, assessing how these operations fit into a broader strategy of hybrid warfare. The episode wraps up with a discussion on satire’s role in media, sparked by The Onion’s satirical purchase of Infowars, an incisive critique of the growing overlap between parody and disinformation in the modern media landscape.
Watch us on YouTube
https://youtu.be/oZ5pv31_60w
Articles discussed in today’s episode
“Trump’s Deep State Revenge” by Shane Harris | The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/intelligence-agencies-trump-loyalists/680625/
“Two scenarios for the years ahead” by Garrett Graff | Doomsday Scenario
https://www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/two-scenarios-for-the-years-ahead
“Mystery fires were Russian 'test runs' to target cargo flights to US” by Paul Kirby | BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07912lxx33o
“The Onion’s Most Trenchant Headline” by Megan Garber | The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2024/11/onion-infowars-acquisition-satire/680667/
Click here to tune into our Patreon Show Extra Shot:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-cias-116617245?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg
For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social media
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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1:13:19
S9: Podcast Update 11/23
We wanted to drop a quick update about the podcast this weekend. New episodes of Espresso Martini and our Patreon-exclusive show, Extra Shot, are running just a little behind schedule. Listeners in the US and the UK can expect them in their feeds on Sunday. For our friends Down Under, that’ll probably be Monday.
Both are still on the way, just not on Saturday, as expected. We thank you for your patience. Enjoy your weekend, everyone.
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0:41
S9 Ep9: Russian mercenaries in Africa with Philip Obaji
In this conversation, award-winning investigative journalist Philip Obaji discusses the increasing influence of the Russian Wagner Group in Africa, particularly in relation to military coups and economic interests. He shares insights into the motivations behind Russia's actions in the region, the impact of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death on Wagner's operations, and his personal experiences reporting in dangerous environments. Obaji highlights the human rights violations committed by Russian paramilitaries, including sexual assaults and massacres, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and reporting on these issues. This conversation delves into the complex and often dark relationship between Russia and various African nations, focusing on the involvement of Russian mercenaries, the exploitation of local populations, and the growing influence of China. Philip Obaji shares insights from his reporting on atrocities committed by Russian forces, including sexual violence and child labor in mining operations. The discussion also touches on local perceptions of Russian influence, the impact of disinformation campaigns, and the need for accountability from the international community.
Find out more about Philips's work here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/author/philip-obaji-jr/
Connect with him on X here: https://twitter.com/PhilipObaji
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg
For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social media
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Follow Chris and Matt on Twitter/X:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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1:09:12
S9 Ep8: David Bickford, former Legal Director of MI5 & MI6 turned author
In this conversation, David Bickford shares his fascinating journey from a unique childhood to a distinguished career in the intelligence services, specifically as a legal director for MI5 and MI6. He discusses the complexities of balancing national security with legality, the current threats posed by Russia and China, and the evolving landscape of intelligence work. Transitioning into a novelist, Bickford reflects on the inspiration behind his books, the writing process he shares with his wife, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and those considering a career in intelligence.
To find out more about David and his latest novel, “Katya The Informer”, please visit his website: https://davidbickford.co.uk/
Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0zPfzbDOrIc
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg
For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social media
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Follow Chris and Matt on Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/ChrisCarrFilm
https://twitter.com/FultonMatt
Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
About Secrets and Spies - A Spy & Geopolitics Podcast
Secrets and Spies is an enthralling podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode promises riveting conversations with best-selling authors, historians, journalists, and former intelligence professionals.
Tune in for thought-provoking discussions and expert insights with balanced yet critical perspectives that will expand your understanding of our uncertain world, deciphering the most enigmatic professions, ideologies, and organizations that shape the global landscape.
Subscribe to Secrets and Spies today on all major podcast streaming platforms.
Our Hosts
Host Chris Carr, driven by a teenage encounter with former KGB officer Oleg Gordievsky, brings a unique authenticity to the podcast. His deep-seated fascination with espionage is evident in his highly acclaimed short spy film "The Dry Cleaner," available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. Currently developing feature film and television scripts inspired by the podcast's themes, Chris aims to create realistic and compelling spy dramas.
Joining him is Matt Fulton, a novelist and screenwriter who draws inspiration from masters of the spy genre like John Le Carré, Tom Clancy, and Graham Greene. Author of the “Active Measures” series of globe-trotting geopolitical thrillers, Matt brings his decades of extensive research and narrative prowess to the podcast, offering listeners a front-row seat to the thrilling world of covert operations.