The Watchers
The Watchers is a profile in the people who are looking out for the rest of us. From national security to cybersecurity, regulators to military operators, these are the people who are on the wall for us.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 3
- Latest publication
- Sep 1, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 7, 2026
Latest episodes
Dmitri Alperovitch On Taiwan, China’s Cyber Preparation, And Deterrence | Ep 48 (opens the original)
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In Episode 48, Dmitri Alperovitch maps the strategic signals around a potential conflict over Taiwan. He covers what Russia's invasion of Ukraine taught Beijing and how Xi Jinping has consolidated power. He also walks through China's cyber activity inside U.S. critical infrastructure. He explains why a blockade is not the same as an invasion, how deterrence can work across military and economic fronts, and why AI may accelerate both intrusion operations and defensive response. The conversation c
Brian Drake on artificial intelligence, autonomous warfare, and the ethics of disruption | Ep 47 (opens the original)
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Former DIA Director of Artificial Intelligence Brian Drake joins Andy Sauer for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of AI, autonomous weapons, misinformation, robotics, and the collision between technological innovation and human values. Brian explains how intelligence agencies first approached AI strategy, why regulation is struggling to keep pace, and why the next major geopolitical arms race may already be underway. He also shares his perspective on AI's potential to transform medici
Tim Van Name on AI warfare, cybersecurity incentives, and America’s technological future | Ep 46 (opens the original)
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Former NSA engineer and White House cybersecurity leader Tim Van Name joins Andy Sauer to discuss the future of cyber conflict, AI-enabled warfare, and the growing tension between innovation and bureaucracy. Tim shares lessons from responding to cyber compromises inside the White House, explains why “time” is becoming the most contested domain in modern conflict, and argues that America’s long-term advantage depends on collaboration, ethical leadership, and rethinking how cybersecurity responsib
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