JRE #1327 – Mike Baker

by

30-Jul-19






Joe Rogan Experience #1327 – Mike Baker

Joe Rogan Experience #1327 – Mike Baker

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer and current president of Diligence LLC, a global intelligence and security firm. The conversation delves into a wide range of topics, exploring the intersection of technology, military operations, international relations, and cultural trends.

Provocative topics include the development of advanced technologies for military use, the implications of deep fakes and their potential impact on elections, the dangers of open borders, the influence of Russian and Chinese intelligence agencies, and the ethical complexities of counterintelligence operations.

Underlying themes explore the accelerating pace of technological development, the evolving nature of warfare and espionage, the challenges of navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, and the importance of media literacy in a digitally-driven world.

Major Topics:

1. Advancements in Military Technology:

  • Discussion of the “universal soldier” concept, encompassing advanced technology, exoskeletons, biometrics, and data integration.
  • Exploration of technologies like night vision, laser targeting, heart rate identification, and neural interfaces.
  • Emphasis on the potential of such technologies to enhance military capabilities and lethality.
  • Addressing the ethical implications of advanced technologies and the balance between national security and individual privacy.

2. The Rise of Deep Fakes and Information Warfare:

  • Exploration of deep fakes as a tool for misinformation and manipulation, highlighting their growing sophistication and accessibility.
  • Discussion of the potential impact of deep fakes on elections, public discourse, and financial markets.
  • Addressing the challenge of detecting deep fakes and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating online information.
  • Concerns regarding state-sponsored actors like Russia and their use of deep fakes for propaganda purposes.

3. Open Borders and the Challenges of Immigration:

  • Exploration of the complexities of immigration policy, contrasting the need for border security with the humanitarian concerns of those seeking better lives.
  • Discussion of the economic and social impacts of uncontrolled immigration, including the potential for criminal infiltration and the strain on resources.
  • Concerns about the impact of illegal marijuana cultivation on cartel activity and the dangers of untested products.
  • Emphasis on the importance of addressing the root causes of migration and creating a more equitable and stable environment in countries of origin.

4. Russia’s Intelligence Operations and Global Influence:

  • Discussion of Russia’s long history of intelligence operations, including their involvement in manipulating elections, undermining democratic institutions, and stealing intellectual property.
  • Exploration of Russian tactics like disinformation campaigns, bot networks, and the use of deep fakes.
  • Addressing the challenges of countering Russian intelligence operations and the importance of maintaining a strong counterintelligence posture.
  • Concerns regarding the potential for Russia to further destabilize international relations and undermine global security.

5. The Chinese Government’s Role in Technology and Espionage:

  • Discussion of Huawei’s rapid rise as a leading technology company and its close ties to the Chinese government.
  • Concerns regarding Huawei’s involvement in potential espionage activities, including the possibility of backdoors in their products and the potential for data interception.
  • Exploration of China’s broader strategy of intellectual property theft and technological innovation, including their efforts to advance their military capabilities.
  • Analysis of the geopolitical implications of China’s growing power and the potential for conflict with the United States.

6. The Complexities of Counterintelligence Operations:

  • Discussion of the ethical dilemmas faced by intelligence agencies when conducting counterintelligence operations, balancing national security with individual rights and privacy.
  • Exploration of the use of human sources, deception, and other tactics in counterintelligence work.
  • Addressing the risks of “going rogue” and the potential for unintended consequences in intelligence gathering.
  • Emphasis on the importance of transparency, accountability, and oversight in intelligence operations.

7. The Global Implications of Russia and China’s Alliance:

  • Exploration of the growing alliance between Russia and China, analyzing its strategic implications and potential impact on global power dynamics.
  • Discussion of the potential for Russia and China to collaborate on intelligence operations, military activities, and economic initiatives.
  • Concerns regarding the potential for a new Cold War or even direct conflict between the United States and the Russia-China alliance.
  • Emphasis on the importance of maintaining a strong and united Western alliance to counter the influence of Russia and China.

8. The Role of the Media in Public Discourse:

  • Analysis of the influence of media outlets like Fox News and MSNBC in shaping public discourse and contributing to political polarization.
  • Discussion of the challenges of navigating a media landscape saturated with misinformation and propaganda.
  • Emphasis on the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and seeking multiple perspectives.
  • Concerns regarding the erosion of trust in traditional media outlets and the rise of alternative news sources.

9. The Future of Politics and International Relations:

  • Discussion of the upcoming 2020 US presidential election, analyzing the potential candidates and their policy positions.
  • Exploration of the potential for increased political polarization and the challenges of finding common ground.
  • Analysis of the global implications of the rise of China, the potential for conflict, and the future of US foreign policy.
  • Emphasis on the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

10. The Importance of Personal Responsibility in a Disinformation Age:

  • Discussion of the need for individuals to be critical consumers of information, questioning sources and verifying facts.
  • Emphasis on the dangers of echo chambers and confirmation bias, and the importance of seeking out diverse perspectives.
  • Encouragement to engage in informed discourse and challenge misinformation.
  • Analysis of the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the need for platforms to take responsibility for content moderation.

Memorable Quotes:

  • “They can do that? Yes. Really. Yeah.” – Joe Rogan expresses disbelief and amazement at the capabilities of advanced technologies discussed by Mike Baker.
  • “I think they just wanna pitch you on business, wanna bring some spooks in here and…fucking case the joint.” – Mike Baker jokes about the motives of people in the marijuana industry who want to connect with Joe Rogan.
  • “I’m gonna write it down. Write it down. There is no creepy shit.” – Mike Baker emphasizes his belief that there are no secret or nefarious activities being hidden from the public.
  • “It’s not possible that you could possibly disagree on policy. Right? Like the…whatever that’s a squad, you know, AOC and and her component. Don’t give a shit about, you know, where they’re from. I care about the fact that their policies from my perspective…other people, I’m sure, love them, you know, are screwed up.” – Mike Baker expresses skepticism about the policies of progressive politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
  • “You know, we’re gonna create some pseudo state federal government there that’s gonna be a bastion of democracy, and it’s not gonna happen.” – Mike Baker voices skepticism about the success of nation-building efforts in countries like Afghanistan.