Episode Synopsis
Geopolitics, international relations, and the will of powerful individuals are to many – in the West at least – something that doesn’t concern them. It’s about the goings on of elite ‘suits’ who speak a unique language designed to give as little information as possible. It’s the murky underworld of hackers tapping away in dictoral countries. But while there’s rarely an immediate impact of the Spook headlines, and the implications can be so gradual, the jossling among political powers, wealthy individuals, and ruthless dictators pose real threats to everyone.
A Teaser of What We Discovered in this Video…
“Afghanistan requires – instead of a troop presence there – an intelligence overwatch… There’s no doubt in my mind, if they [the Taliban] do take control, that they will take revenge”
– Colonel Cedric Leighton
Watch the Main Interview Video
About Col. Cedric Leighton:
Cedric spent 26 years climbing the ranks as an intelligence officer in the US Air Force. He held numerous senior roles at the Pentagon including the Deputy Director of Warfare Support and Intelligence Integration. In his time he’s witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, built diplomatic relations in tentious parts of South-East Asia, and has been on five tours in the Middle East. He now consults multinational businesses on geopolitics, leadership, and cyber security, as well as being a common media commentator on Military and international affairs.
Connect with Col. Cedric Leighton:
Show Notes:
05:40 – Out of the shadows; going from intelligence officer to CNN Correspondent
08:50 – Hacking, cyber security, and online national security
16:40 – Misinformation, propaganda and fake news
23:38 – Does American domestic politics need new identities?
27:01 – Why is international relations important to everybody
42:13 – Politician’s desire for ‘legacy’
44:50 – Brexit and Trumpism
50:00 – China; Are they a threat to The West?
66:19 – Knockoffs and intellectual property in China
73:00 – Russia
79:30 – Afghanistan; What to expect when the troops leave
90:00 – Thought for the Day
Read the entire episode transcript