Pakistan Was Laundering USAID Money to Kill Americans

Former CIA Counterterrorism officer Drew Berquist joins the show to pull back the curtain on his years working intelligence and covert action in the Middle East. We dive into his firsthand experiences navigating gray-zone warfare, the shadowy role of USAID in foreign policy, and China’s growing influence in global conflict. Berquist breaks down the secret surveillance tech the U.S. uses to monitor adversaries and the information-warfare strategies shaping today’s geopolitical battles. With over thirty deployments under his belt, he offers a rare blend of tactical insight and big-picture analysis.

Berquist is also the author of The Maverick Experiment and other works on intelligence and security, and he continues to share unfiltered geopolitical commentary on his show This Is My Show with Drew Berquist, available on drewberquist.com and all major podcast platforms.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

03:54 Transitioning from Military to Media

09:59 The Bro-Vet Phenomenon and Media Influence

16:09 Contracting in the GWOT

22:01 Reflections on Nation-Building and Military Strategy

27:44 The Role of PMCs in Modern Warfare

37:04 The Challenges of Intelligence Sharing

44:37 Day-to-Day Operations in Covert Action

55:06 The Impact of Technology on Intelligence Operations

01:02:23 Assessing America's Edge in Global Intelligence

01:08:01 Corruption in the Global War on Terror

01:14:05 The Cycle of U.S. Foreign Aid and Its Consequences

01:19:01 The Role of USAID and NGOs in Conflict Zones

01:24:52 Reflections on Whistleblowers and National Security

01:40:55 The Impact of Whistleblowers on Military Perspectives

01:47:55 Navigating the Complexities of Military Operations

01:55:12 The Role of Intelligence in Modern Warfare

02:18:37 The Invisible Forces Shaping Global Conflicts

02:24:38 The Untold Stories of the Global War on Terror

02:32:21 The Risks of Government Overreach

02:39:31 The Future of American Identity

Check Out Our Sponsors:

Alp! ALP is arguably the world's best nicotine pouch brand dedicated to offering a better, more satisfying way to enjoy nicotine. ALP is tobacco leaf-free, smoke-free, and available in a range of flavors and strengths. Use our affiliate link: ⁠https://alppouch.com/8144913⁠ to let them know we sent you and use promo code: ALP-C9ER6GCKZFDXLCY for 10% off your order. (We know, lame promo code…)

Kill Cliff Energy! Looking for a clean energy boost without the crash? Kill Cliff Energy has you covered! Packed with natural ingredients, electrolytes, and just the right amount of caffeine, Kill Cliff gives you the energy you need to power through your day. Plus, with our exclusive discount code KCPODCAST20, you can get 20% off your next purchase. Fuel your energy and recovery with Kill Cliff! Check them out at ⁠https://www.killcliff.com⁠

Protekt! Stay hydrated and recover like a pro with Protekt Hydration and Rest supplements! Veteran-owned and operated, Protekt offers clean, natural formulas made in the USA to optimize performance, hydration, and sleep. Fuel your body and rest easy knowing you're supporting a company with American-made quality. Use our exclusive code ICAMEWITHFIRE to get 15% off your next purchase. Get the balance your body needs, day or night, with Protekt! ⁠https://protekt.com/⁠