
John Sawers
Former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) who provides insider accounts of intelligence, diplomatic contacts, and decision-making during the Libya crisis.
Top 3 podcasts with John Sawers
Ranked by the Snipd community

11 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 1h 11min
67. A Tale of Two Spies: The former heads of MI5 and MI6 on the Iraq War, double agents, and the IRA
Former heads of MI5 and MI6, Eliza Manningham-Buller and John Sawers, discuss the ethics of intelligence work, evolving terrorism threats, challenges in handling covert sources, the courage of informants, Russian interference in elections, and navigating global challenges like climate change. They reflect on legal compliance in British intelligence and propose updates to governance principles.

10 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 40min
Inside The Room - The Libya Conflict: The Build Up (Part One)
Hugh Powell, former deputy national security adviser with frontline Whitehall experience, and Sir John Sawers, ex-MI6 chief with insider intelligence knowledge, recount the lead-up to Libya intervention. They discuss how protests spread, UK and European debates over action, military limits like no-fly zone effectiveness, and the surprise of French early strikes.

5 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 27min
Who are the Middle East power brokers?
Former head of MI6, John Sawers, discusses the Israel-Hamas conflict and prospects for peace in Gaza. Topics include regional power dynamics, Iran's nuclear progress, challenges faced by the Iranian regime, political dynamics in Egypt and Turkey, and the need for a political process in the Middle East.


