What challenges confront the U.S. intelligence community in the 21st century? There are few better positioned to know the answers to that question than Dan Coats, the director of national intelligence. The Intelligence Studies Program, a collaborative initiative of the Strauss Center and the Clements Center down at the University of Texas, held a major conference recently where Coats was the keynote speaker. Listen to his wide-ranging remarks on North Korea, Russia, China, cyber-security, terrorism, and how the United States is a bit like the New York Yankees. Hear why, for Coats, America’s ability to handle these challenges depends on a talented and more capable workforce. And hear why Coats is treating the reform of the security clearance process as an urgent issue.

Music and Production by Tre Hester