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Fmr. Senior CIA Official Marc Polymeropoulos and author of Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA joins Ron Steslow to discuss Havana Syndrome, his struggle for treatment, and what he learned about leadership in 26 years at the CIA. 

(01:14) Marc’s 26 year CIA career

(03:40) “Easily the most terrifying night of my life” 

(04:58) Moscow’s motivation for directed energy attacks

(09:56) The CIA’s “call to arms” after the 2016 election

(12:44) Fighting for treatment

(16:29) Becoming a leader in times of crisis

(25:03) What happened in Helsinki?

(29:27) Morale—and dysfunction—through the Trump presidency

(33:26) When former senior officials speak out, listen

(36:46) Leadership principles versus the former president

(41:00) Identifying leaders among political candidates

(43:56) Protecting democracy domestically

(48:30) Showing and sharing the world with Marc’s family

[Politicology+ Exclusive] Proliferation of nationalism overseas, and the American affinity for the authoritarian right // Unlock now and get exclusive content on your private podcast feed at politicology.com/plus

Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA by Marc Polymeropoulos

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