April 19, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Speaker: The Honorable John E. McLaughlin, Former Acting Director and Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
John E. McLaughlin is a preeminent figure in American intelligence, with a career spanning over six decades of service. He served as the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence (DDCI) from 2000 to 2004 and as the Acting Director of Central Intelligence (ADCI) in late 2004.
Mr. McLaughlin began his intelligence career on the ground as an Army intelligence officer in Vietnam in 1969. In the fifty-seven years since, he has served at every echelon of the craft—from tactical operations to the highest levels of strategic policy. Today, he continues to shape the future of the profession as a senior mentor and community thought leader.
He currently serves as the Professor of Practice and Director of the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Diplomacy and serves on several bipartisan panels, including the Homeland Security Advisory Group, the National Security Advisory Group and the Middle East Institute’s Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Extremism.
He is a recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Community Service Award, the National Security Medal, and the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and is a frequent guest analyst on CNN, CSPAN, and Fox News.
No one brings a better perspective of the issues posed in this era of Great Power Competition and the importance of the intelligence craft. John is also an accomplished magician who co-founded Washington Magic and has collaborated with David Copperfield.
John E. McLaughlin
June 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Speakers – Scott O’Grady and T.O. Hanford
On June 2, 1995, Captain Scott O’Grady’s F-16 was shot down over Bosnia during NATO Operation Deny Flight, and for six days, he evaded Serbian forces in a masterclass of survival. On June 8, Captain T.O. Hanford, nearing the limit of his fuel and defying orders to return to base, flew his F-16 deep into hostile territory and picked up a faint radio call from O’Grady that sparked one of the most daring rescue operations in modern military history.
On the 31st anniversary of this epic rescue, NDBS is honored to present a special program featuring both Scott O’Grady and T.O. Hanford in a rare joint appearance. While they have shared their perspectives individually over the years, they rarely appear together to tell the full, synchronized story of the pilot on the ground and the one in the air who refused to leave him behind. We have also invited representatives of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who conducted the rescue operation, for an unprecedented three-way discussion of this historic event.
August 9. 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Speakers – Dr. Cynthia Watkins, Dr. Bud Cole (Captain, USN retired)
Both Dr. Watkins and Dr. Cole are experts on the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The understand the country’s internal politics and the personalities who lead the PRC. The two will provide insight into how they believe the PRC’s foreign policy will evolve given events in Venezuela, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. They will also provide their views on what the challenges the PRC faces vis a vis its intentions toward Taiwan.
Dr. Watkins taught at the National Defense University for 30+ years before retiring in June 2022 and was awarded the title of Professor Emerita. She has an MA from the London School of Economics and a PhD from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to teaching classes, Dr. Watkins was Dean of Faculty & Academic Programs for three years. She is the author of 10 books on national security and is certified as a bilingual reader for the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.
Dr. Cole retired from full time teaching duties at the National War College in 2015 and was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. While on the NWC faculty, Dr. Cole taught courses on Sino-American Relations and Maritime Strategy. He has written numerous articles and eight books most of which focus on the Asia. He earned a BA in history from the University of North Carolina, an M.P.A. in National Security Affairs from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in History from Auburn University. He previously served 30 years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy, all in the Pacific. Dr. Cole commanded a frigate, U.S.S. Rathburne (FF-1057)and Destroyer Squadron 35. He served as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer with the THIRD Marine Division in Vietnam, and as Special Assistant to the CNO for Expeditionary Warfare.
