In this episode, Jack and Julia discuss the US officials' Signal chat group debacle and why Jack thinks that there’s value in formality when it comes to government decision-making. Tune in for unique insights on:How government decisions of import typically get made, and what, if anything, is different about this Signal conversation.The evolution of secure communications and what’s lost - and gained - when technology makes communicating easier than ever.If the speed of technology is translating into the speed of decision-making at the highest levels, and if this is putting us at risk.Join us for a history-informed, non-partisan conversation on this critical and timely topic!
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14:58
Terrorism: Then and Now/Home and Abroad
2025 began with a tragic, ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans that serves as a disturbing reminder of the enduring terrorism threat both at home and abroad. Join Jack and Julia as we discuss the evolution of terrorism over the past several decades, and what we should be watching out for today. On this episode, we’ll consider:How the threat to the homeland has evolved since 9/11, and the role of US agencies and citizens in advancing our collective securityThe rise and threat of ISIS-K-- the ISIS affiliate group based in Afghanistan that was responsible for the most significant terrorist attacks of 2024The differences between lone wolf and coordinated attacks and how the two are connected through global events and borderless ideologies
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36:39
Before the Handoff: What to Expect Leading Up to the Presidential Inauguration
In the immediate aftermath of the 2024 US elections, global leaders are recalibrating their political strategies and vying for President Trump’s good favor. But what can we expect over the course of the next two months before Trump takes office, and what’s the broader outlook for global stability?Join Jack and Julia for a discussion about how President Trump’s second term is already resonating and impacting policy decisions on both the domestic and international fronts. On this episode, we’ll consider:The new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and what, if anything, government leaders can learn from business leadersIf “America First” implies “America Alone” and if Washington will be able to reestablish a bipartisan approach to foreign policyImplications for China as a global economic powerhouse, and the possibility of ceasefire agreements in Eastern Europe and throughout the Middle EastDevine, J. (2024, October 11). Opinion: Trump or Harris? Whoever wins will lose wars without bipartisan consensus. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/10/11/trump-harris-china-russia-iran-monitor-election/75555336007/*Mentioned 0:07:34:70
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29:54
A Sprawling Web of War and Peace
On the cusp of the 2024 US presidential election, only one thing looks certain: the next US president is going to inherit two major ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. And right now, these wars appear to be expanding, not shrinking.Join Jack and Julia for a thoughtful discussion about these ongoing conflicts and what their outcome might mean for the future of global security. On this episode, we’ll consider:The latest status of the fight between Russia and UkraineHow the politics of regional states and global alliances are evolving and impacting the battleThe role of diplomacy and what it might take to have an upcoming period of peace in both Ukraine and the Middle East
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20:00
Acts of Betrayal, Part One: Hearts and Minds
Betrayal is a complicated act of “deliberate disloyalty” that can shock and unravel the fabric of any relationship. But when an intelligence officer is caught working for the other side, the damage is amplified - shattering the hard-won trust among colleagues and spy agencies that’s essential to doing effective intelligence work. The reasons why an officer might defect, however, can vary widely and have implications of their own.Join Jack and Julia for a colorful conversation about what motivated historic double agents like Kim Philby and Aldrich “Rick Ames” to defect, and the consequences of their betrayal.On this episode we’ll discuss:Why the famous British intelligence officer Kim Philby chose to defect and how he managed to get away with it for so longJack’s take on the motivations of fellow CIA officer Rick Ames – including personal insights as to why Ames defectedThe dangerous impact of high-level intelligence betrayals on both individual lives and global operations
How might someone who worked at the CIA or NSA view what’s happening around the world? What can we learn about politics and risk from the intelligence vantage point- past and present? Straight from the Shoulder is a podcast that strives to analyze geopolitical events through the apolitical lens of intelligence officers. The podcast features commentary by Jack Devine, former Acting Deputy Director of Operations at the CIA and President The Arkin Group in conversation with Julia Stone, former government Intelligence Analyst and Senior Director at The Arkin Group. Listeners can expect a candid, non-partisan, and lively discussion that seeks to unravel the complex issues that threaten security and global stability.
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