Podcast
Straight from the Shoulder
Hosted by The Arkin Group · EN
How might someone who worked at the CIA 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 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 of The Arkin Group in conversation with Julia Stone, former government Intelligence Analyst and Managing Director at The Arkin Group. Listeners can expect non-partisan and lively discussions that seek to cut through the noise and bring clarity to the most pressing global issues we face today.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Venezuela, What Happens Now?
Feb 1300:08:45Tap to summarizeOn this timely episode, Nico Sabogal of The Arkin Group shares an update on the latest happenings in Venezuela and the country's political outlook.
Transcribe →Investing in the Gulf: Insights from Andrew Frank
Jan 3000:25:19Tap to summarizeOn this special episode, we are joined by Andrew Frank, the Founder and President of KARV, a global strategic advisory firm based in New York City. Andrew's a seasoned expert in communications strategy, including crisis management, and he has longstanding experience operating in the Gulf region of the Middle East. Listen in to hear his insightful take on how the Gulf has evolved and exactly how, and why, it’s worth investing in this unique region right now.
Transcribe →Fueling Change in Venezuela
Jan 900:16:59Tap to summarizeHow do we understand what just happened in Venezuela in the greater context of coups and regime change efforts? Will fresh US investment and the revitalization of Venezuela's oil industry be enough to propel the nation forward towards becoming a vibrant democracy once again? And what kind of intelligence will be required along the way? Join us for a discussion of this momentous event.
Transcribe →The Business of Peace
Dec 500:11:53Tap to summarizeRecent peace plans and talks in Moscow are building more momentum towards a deal, but are we there yet? This week, we discuss the current state of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, including the implications of territorial concessions, the role of Europe in the conflict, and the influence of President Trump. We also explore the challenges facing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and what it might take to ensure a successful future for Ukraine--and for the broader region.
Transcribe →Striking at the Status Quo
Oct 3100:10:34Tap to summarizeThe Trump administration has been building up an immense U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and steadily ramping-up attacks on alleged narco-trafficking vessels. But do these strikes aim to tackle the drug trade or to dismantle the Venezuelan regime--or both? Join us as we discuss what's behind the latest U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and the implications of what might happen next.
Transcribe →An Intelligence Approach to AI
Oct 2900:11:38Tap to summarizeWith partisan-laden media takes and AI slop now flooding the internet, it's more difficult than ever to know what to believe. But time-tested frameworks used by intelligence officers can offer some guidance. On this episode of Straight from the Shoulder, special guest Rollie Flynn—former CIA Executive and President of The Arkin Group—shares her tips from the field on how to best differentiate truth from lies.
Transcribe →Downsizing Up
Oct 300:15:30Tap to summarizeThis week, Jack and Julia unpack the latest U.S. government shutdown and the difference between "essential" and "non-essential" governance functions. How have these definitions evolved, what's the right size for our current government, and are we entering an era where institutions are losing their luster?
Transcribe →Down with the Ship: Evolving US Counternarcotics Policy
Sep 1900:12:19Tap to summarizeTensions are erupting between the United States and Venezuela, and in the first few weeks of September alone, the US military conducted multiple deadly strikes on narcotrafficking-linked boats off the Venezuelan coast. But questions abound pertaining to both the legality and political implications of the strikes, and what the latest developments might mean for national security moving forward. On this episode of Straight from the Shoulder, Jack and Julia discuss the trajectory of Venezuela's turn towards organized crime and why Jack thinks it's the right time to take firm and definitive action against narcotraffickers south of the border.
Transcribe →Cartel Attack
Aug 2900:17:43Tap to summarizeJoin us as we discuss Jack Devine’s recent USA Today Op-ed on the narcotrafficking threat, where he argues that Washington should collaborate with Mexico to take down the drug cartels. Jack’s opinion is informed by his time as the CIA Chief of the Latin America Division and Head of the Counter Narcotics Center back in the early 1990s- during which time he was even involved in a collaborative effort to take down Pablo Escobar- the so-called “King of Cocaine.” Listen to what Jack thinks should happen next in Mexico, and why drones and intelligence might play an essential role in mitigating this collective security threat.
Transcribe →Uncovering Deep Cover
Jun 1300:14:36Tap to summarizeIn late May, a New York Times investigation revealed that Russia was churning out deep cover operatives from Brazil for years until a CIA tip and sharp Brazilian policework led to their capture and escape. But what exactly is “deep cover” and when and how is it best used?On this episode of Straight from the Shoulder, Jack and Julia chat to uncover: The historic and contemporary motivations and methods behind the latest Russian effortThe pros and cons of operating under deep coverHow and if other nations are using deep cover The implications for human intelligence (HUMINT) moving forward
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