1386: Sean Wiswesser | Inside Putin's Russian Intelligence Machine

Russia's spy services are a bungling clown show that can still kill you anywhere. Here, ex-CIA officer Sean Wiswesser takes us inside Putin's secret war. Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1386 What We Discuss with Sean Wiswesser: Russian intelligence is a paradox. It's comprised largely of bungling fools who siphon gas from their own surveillance cars and binge-watch The Sopranos, yet they remain formidable adversaries. What makes them dangerous isn't competence but real capability paired with no moral limits and no accountability. Corruption isn't a bug — it's the system. Officers invent sources and pad reports with rewritten news to flatter the boss. That yes-man culture is how Putin was assured Ukraine would be a one-week war, now in its fifth year. A criminalized service takes reckless risks. The most insidious threat isn't assassinations — it's information warfare. What Russia did in 2016 is now amplified thousands-fold by AI, and it targets American youth to erode their faith in democracy itself. The one thing democracy asks of us is an informed public. The West is fighting a hybrid war it won't name, with severed undersea cables, a targeted German CEO, teenagers hired on Telegram for sabotage, and drones over Poland. Deterrence without consequences invites more, and Sean warns the Baltics are likely next after any Ukraine ceasefire. Democracy runs on an informed public, so you are the defense. Slow down, resist reacting to clickbait on emotion, and check sources before you share. And if anyone ever tries to compromise or coerce you, report it — silence is the only leverage they hold. And much more... And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Xero: One month of Xero for free: xero.com Paka: Paka hoodie & crew socks: go.pakaapparel.com/jordan FlyKitt: 15% off: flykitt.com, code JORDAN Progressive Insurance: Free online quote: progressive.com