Ep.101 Spies on the Edge: The World Of Counterintelligence, Double Agents, and CIA's Public Outreach to Recruit Foreign Spies | Douglas London

In this episode, we dive into the shadowy world of counterintelligence and double agents—where betrayal, deception, and high-stakes espionage shape global security. Join us as we unravel the complex operations of double agents, their role in modern spycraft, and the constant tug-of-war between loyalty and treachery.

We’ll also explore a bold and surprising twist in the intelligence community: the CIA’s recent public outreach to recruit spies from rival nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. How does this shift from covert to open recruitment impact international espionage and geopolitical tensions? What motivates individuals to turn against their governments, and how do intelligence agencies manage these high-risk relationships? Whether you’re a seasoned espionage enthusiast or new to the world of intelligence, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat as we expose the intricate web of counterintelligence and the daring moves being made in today’s spy games.

About the guest speaker:

Douglas London retired from the CIA in 2019 after 34 years as a Senior Operations Officer, Chief of Station, and CIA’s Counterterrorism Chief for South and Southwest Asia. He served primarily in the Middle East, South Asia, the former Soviet Republics, and Africa, with senior management positions for the Near East, Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, Iran, and Cyber operations. Mr. London is a Non-resident fellow at the Middle East Institute and is the author of the book “The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence,” concerning the CIA’s post-9/11 transformation. Mr. London has been a contributor to the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Politico, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Hill, CNN, Just Security, The Atlantic Council and the Middle East Institute.

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