Intelligence analysis is a tricky job, and failure can have devastating consequences. Since the October 7th attacks by Hamas in Israel, this issue has become more acute as experts wonder how Hamas was able to manage such a sophisticated operation undetected by Israeli intelligence. But this is not the only example of intelligence failure. In this week's episode, we are joined once again by the former Acting Director of the CIA, John McLaughlin, to discuss the difficulties of intel collection and analysis—and how addressing these challenges requires both fighting and embracing human nature.

To read more about historical examples of intelligence failure and how they may apply to the situation in Israel, check out Prof. McLaughlin's recent article in The Cipher Brief:

https://www.thecipherbrief.com/why-did-israeli-intelligence-fail-history-suggests-many-causes

In a rapidly-transforming Middle East, the ascendant roles of China and Russia are reshaping the region's security landscape. This comes in tandem with the startling normalization of relations between erstwhile rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, a move orchestrated by China. Professor Vali Nasr decodes these developments and their potential implications for the United States. This conversation aims to clarify the ever-changing alliances and power equations in the Middle East, as nations endeavor to break away from Western hegemony.

The United States Armed Forces are facing the biggest recruiting crisis in fifty years. At the same time, there is a growing cultural gap between the military and civilian sectors of the American public. Politicians, generals, and academics are all concerned, but the situation doesn't seem to be getting any better. This week, we sit down with Dr. Nora Bensahel and LTG David Barno to discuss the recruiting crisis, the civil military gap, and how, if left unchecked, these issues may affect the United States in the long term.

For more information on the recruiting crisis, check out Gen. Barno and Dr. Bensahel's article from earlier this year: https://warontherocks.com/2023/03/addressing-the-u-s-military-recruiting-crisis/

For our inaugural episode we delve into one of the most pressing questions of our time: Can the United States prevail in a war with China? Join us as we explore the complex dynamics, military considerations, and strategic challenges surrounding the most consequential threat facing the United States and global peace. Today's guest is Dr. Thomas Mahnken, a renowned strategist and military analyst. Dr. Mahnken is a member of the Army Science board, a professor of strategy at JHU SAIS, and has written extensively on this and related topics.