David Priess
@davidpriess.bsky.social
Intelligence, geopolitics, and learning | Global Head of Training & Education, Emergent Risk Interrnational | Senior Fellow, Hayden Center | Former CIA & State Department | Duke poli sci PhD | Author, The President’s Book of Secrets
Pinned
David Priess
@davidpriess.bsky.social
· Dec 26
Welcome, new arrivals!
I served at CIA and the State Dept, followed by non-profit & private sector leadership roles. I offer info/insight on nat’l security, intelligence, and the presidency & how it all intersects with history and culture.
Celebrating books, all things Arctic, space, and dogs.
I served at CIA and the State Dept, followed by non-profit & private sector leadership roles. I offer info/insight on nat’l security, intelligence, and the presidency & how it all intersects with history and culture.
Celebrating books, all things Arctic, space, and dogs.
THREAD: As each year ends, I look back at the books I’ve read, re-read, or listened to across 12 months.
Now, I share them in categories (by author, alphabetically, within each).
Deep thanks to every author on this list for making my year better!
1/19
Now, I share them in categories (by author, alphabetically, within each).
Deep thanks to every author on this list for making my year better!
1/19
a cartoon of a boy reading a book in front of a stack of books .
ALT: a cartoon of a boy reading a book in front of a stack of books .
media.tenor.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:44 PM
THREAD: As each year ends, I look back at the books I’ve read, re-read, or listened to across 12 months.
Now, I share them in categories (by author, alphabetically, within each).
Deep thanks to every author on this list for making my year better!
1/19
Now, I share them in categories (by author, alphabetically, within each).
Deep thanks to every author on this list for making my year better!
1/19
Reposted by David Priess
“The job of running the British Secret Service has changed enormously since Cumming’s day, but there are also elements of what sits in Metreweli’s overflowing in-tray that the first Chief would still have recognised.”
Great essay by @gordoncorera.bsky.social:
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/the...
Great essay by @gordoncorera.bsky.social:
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/the...
The evolving world of MI6
Technological shifts, alliance politics, and fractious great-power competition make the United Kingdom’s secret service’s work under its new Chief more complex than ever.
engelsbergideas.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:59 PM
“The job of running the British Secret Service has changed enormously since Cumming’s day, but there are also elements of what sits in Metreweli’s overflowing in-tray that the first Chief would still have recognised.”
Great essay by @gordoncorera.bsky.social:
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/the...
Great essay by @gordoncorera.bsky.social:
engelsbergideas.com/notebook/the...
Reposted by David Priess
Does anyone have a terrific essay they'd like to recommend on the ways in which personal memories becomes linked to political happenings? Like the flashbulb moment, though it doesn't exclusively have to be that.
December 30, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Does anyone have a terrific essay they'd like to recommend on the ways in which personal memories becomes linked to political happenings? Like the flashbulb moment, though it doesn't exclusively have to be that.
Reposted by David Priess
The vessel Ursa Major, part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” sank off the coast of Spain while carrying undisclosed strategic cargo, according to Spanish investigators.
Investigators say the ship was transporting two VM-4SG nuclear reactor hulls reportedly destined for North Korea.
Investigators say the ship was transporting two VM-4SG nuclear reactor hulls reportedly destined for North Korea.
December 29, 2025 at 3:45 PM
The vessel Ursa Major, part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” sank off the coast of Spain while carrying undisclosed strategic cargo, according to Spanish investigators.
Investigators say the ship was transporting two VM-4SG nuclear reactor hulls reportedly destined for North Korea.
Investigators say the ship was transporting two VM-4SG nuclear reactor hulls reportedly destined for North Korea.
Reposted by David Priess
“China has installed 30,000 miles of high-speed rail when America has managed to complete exactly zero miles.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/a...
America Wants to Build Again. If You Squint, You’ll See Hopeful Signs.
www.nytimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:18 PM
“China has installed 30,000 miles of high-speed rail when America has managed to complete exactly zero miles.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/a...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/a...
Reposted by David Priess
Such an incredible photo looking down at Mars and its moon Phobos, passing over the largest canyon in the Solar System, Valles Marineris, a massive dust storm, and the Tharsis Montes, three massive volcanoes.
Thank you to @ESA and the Mars Express orbiter!
Thank you to @ESA and the Mars Express orbiter!
December 27, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Such an incredible photo looking down at Mars and its moon Phobos, passing over the largest canyon in the Solar System, Valles Marineris, a massive dust storm, and the Tharsis Montes, three massive volcanoes.
Thank you to @ESA and the Mars Express orbiter!
Thank you to @ESA and the Mars Express orbiter!
Reposted by David Priess
More than 280 astronauts and cosmonauts have visited the ISS, and it has now been continuously occupied for 25 years. If you were born after 2 November 2000, for your entire life, there has always been someone living in space.
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
All you need to know about the International Space Station's 25 years in orbit
The International Space Station (ISS) is humanity's most expensive object and has been in orbit for 25 years. Read its fascinating history, told in 25 numbers.
www.bbc.com
December 26, 2025 at 3:07 AM
More than 280 astronauts and cosmonauts have visited the ISS, and it has now been continuously occupied for 25 years. If you were born after 2 November 2000, for your entire life, there has always been someone living in space.
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
www.bbc.com/future/artic...
It was my joy to join other @engelsbergideas.bsky.social authors in highlighting two books I read this year. Among my favorites, as I note in the article:
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, by @laurainparis.bsky.social
War and Power: Who Wins Wars—and Why, by @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, by @laurainparis.bsky.social
War and Power: Who Wins Wars—and Why, by @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Contributors to Engelsberg Ideas highlight the books they’ve enjoyed in 2025.
Books of the Year 2025 | Engelsberg Ideas
engelsbergideas.com/reviews/book...
Books of the Year 2025 | Engelsberg Ideas
engelsbergideas.com/reviews/book...
Books of the Year 2025
Contributors to Engelsberg Ideas highlight the books they’ve enjoyed in 2025.
engelsbergideas.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:34 PM
It was my joy to join other @engelsbergideas.bsky.social authors in highlighting two books I read this year. Among my favorites, as I note in the article:
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, by @laurainparis.bsky.social
War and Power: Who Wins Wars—and Why, by @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, by @laurainparis.bsky.social
War and Power: Who Wins Wars—and Why, by @phillipspobrien.bsky.social
Death by Lightning is a study in contradiction:
It is chock-full of historical inaccuracies—Arthur’s alcoholism and substantive interactions with Guiteau, to start, are manufactured out of thin air—while immensely entertaining.
I hope it pushes people to read real history—which is more compelling.
It is chock-full of historical inaccuracies—Arthur’s alcoholism and substantive interactions with Guiteau, to start, are manufactured out of thin air—while immensely entertaining.
I hope it pushes people to read real history—which is more compelling.
Having abandoned Pluribus, I'm now watching Death By Lightning. So far, it's very good.
December 20, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Death by Lightning is a study in contradiction:
It is chock-full of historical inaccuracies—Arthur’s alcoholism and substantive interactions with Guiteau, to start, are manufactured out of thin air—while immensely entertaining.
I hope it pushes people to read real history—which is more compelling.
It is chock-full of historical inaccuracies—Arthur’s alcoholism and substantive interactions with Guiteau, to start, are manufactured out of thin air—while immensely entertaining.
I hope it pushes people to read real history—which is more compelling.
Reposted by David Priess
Good!
The story of Farage and Putin, told by British-Ukrainian soldier Shaun Pinner on a destroyed apartment block in Kyiv.
December 19, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Good!
Get this @bradthor.bsky.social book! An Embassy attack … underwater ops … a shoot-out on the Dulles Toll Road … it’s got it all.
KINDLE DEAL ALERT! TODAY ONLY, grab the ebook of Edge of Honor for just $4.99 during
Amazon's Top Reads Gold Box deal. Don't miss out on this incredible offer!
Amazon's Top Reads Gold Box deal. Don't miss out on this incredible offer!
December 19, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Get this @bradthor.bsky.social book! An Embassy attack … underwater ops … a shoot-out on the Dulles Toll Road … it’s got it all.
Reposted by David Priess
I can't say I was expecting the Monroe Doctrine to be in the news in 2025. But here we are. So I thought a bit of history and context would be helpful. Check your inboxes or subscribe today! open.substack.com/pub/imperfec...
The Monroe Doctrine in 2025
Not a title I anticipated typing...
open.substack.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:44 PM
I can't say I was expecting the Monroe Doctrine to be in the news in 2025. But here we are. So I thought a bit of history and context would be helpful. Check your inboxes or subscribe today! open.substack.com/pub/imperfec...
Reposted by David Priess
To those thinking Russia is winning in Ukraine:
Imagine if when we invaded Iraq, we were almost four years into it, only occupied 20 percent, and lost a million men.
Not a soul would call that “winning.”
Imagine if when we invaded Iraq, we were almost four years into it, only occupied 20 percent, and lost a million men.
Not a soul would call that “winning.”
December 16, 2025 at 1:16 AM
To those thinking Russia is winning in Ukraine:
Imagine if when we invaded Iraq, we were almost four years into it, only occupied 20 percent, and lost a million men.
Not a soul would call that “winning.”
Imagine if when we invaded Iraq, we were almost four years into it, only occupied 20 percent, and lost a million men.
Not a soul would call that “winning.”
Reposted by David Priess
Putin: "We've taken Kupyansk"
Zelensky: "Here I am in Kupyansk"
Zelensky: "Here I am in Kupyansk"
Zelensky arrived in Kupyansk, which Putin claims is "under Russian control."
December 12, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Putin: "We've taken Kupyansk"
Zelensky: "Here I am in Kupyansk"
Zelensky: "Here I am in Kupyansk"
Reposted by David Priess
londonlovesbusiness.com/zelenskys-el...
My article for LLB. - Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides it’s democracy.
My article for LLB. - Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides it’s democracy.
Zelensky’s election dilemma: Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides its democracy - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
Explore Zelensky’s election dilemma: Ukraine’s democracy stands firm against Kremlin influence and prioritizes safety for citizens.
londonlovesbusiness.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:32 PM
londonlovesbusiness.com/zelenskys-el...
My article for LLB. - Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides it’s democracy.
My article for LLB. - Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides it’s democracy.
Reposted by David Priess
In Finland, willingness to defend the country remains high at 78 percent and NATO also enjoys 84 percent approval rating
Survey: Finns' willingness to defend country remains high
Four out of five respondents said that in the event of a military attack, they would be willing to participate in national defence operations, based on their abilities and skills.
yle.fi
December 9, 2025 at 10:16 AM
In Finland, willingness to defend the country remains high at 78 percent and NATO also enjoys 84 percent approval rating
Reposted by David Priess
Russian warships are protecting the shadow fleet in Baltic Sea, confirms Commander of Estonian Navy.
”At any given time, there are at least two Russian warships” in the Gulf of Finland.
”At any given time, there are at least two Russian warships” in the Gulf of Finland.
Estlands marinchef: Ryska skuggflottan skyddas av krigsfartyg - Ekot
Den ryska skuggflottan, det vill säga de hundratals fartyg som fraktar olja åt Ryssland för att kringgå sanktioner, har börjat använda nya metoder för ...
www.sverigesradio.se
December 8, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Russian warships are protecting the shadow fleet in Baltic Sea, confirms Commander of Estonian Navy.
”At any given time, there are at least two Russian warships” in the Gulf of Finland.
”At any given time, there are at least two Russian warships” in the Gulf of Finland.
Go out and look tonight if your skies are clear tonight—as they are in the mid-Atlantic.
A 99% illuminated moon is gorgeous. And a reminder of the constants in life during turbulent times.
A 99% illuminated moon is gorgeous. And a reminder of the constants in life during turbulent times.
December 4, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Go out and look tonight if your skies are clear tonight—as they are in the mid-Atlantic.
A 99% illuminated moon is gorgeous. And a reminder of the constants in life during turbulent times.
A 99% illuminated moon is gorgeous. And a reminder of the constants in life during turbulent times.
Reposted by David Priess
Tensions between the US & Latin America are spiking—migration, cartels, military strikes, and political showdowns.
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
November 25, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Tensions between the US & Latin America are spiking—migration, cartels, military strikes, and political showdowns.
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
Join us Dec 10, 7pm ET as fmr CIA Acting Director Michael Morell and top experts break down what’s happening & what's next. Free & virtual.
REGISTER: bit.ly/3KkcsLc
Reposted by David Priess
Volcano Hayli Gubbi erupted today in Ethiopia for the first time.
November 24, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Volcano Hayli Gubbi erupted today in Ethiopia for the first time.
I already have a counterproposal:
Russia pulls forces/proxies out of Ukraine—all of it—and removes offensive weapons from regions bordering Ukraine.
Pays for all war damage—and reconstruction.
All Russians engaged in war crimes stand trial.
And Ukraine can join any alliance it damn well pleases.
Russia pulls forces/proxies out of Ukraine—all of it—and removes offensive weapons from regions bordering Ukraine.
Pays for all war damage—and reconstruction.
All Russians engaged in war crimes stand trial.
And Ukraine can join any alliance it damn well pleases.
November 21, 2025 at 9:06 PM
I already have a counterproposal:
Russia pulls forces/proxies out of Ukraine—all of it—and removes offensive weapons from regions bordering Ukraine.
Pays for all war damage—and reconstruction.
All Russians engaged in war crimes stand trial.
And Ukraine can join any alliance it damn well pleases.
Russia pulls forces/proxies out of Ukraine—all of it—and removes offensive weapons from regions bordering Ukraine.
Pays for all war damage—and reconstruction.
All Russians engaged in war crimes stand trial.
And Ukraine can join any alliance it damn well pleases.
Reposted by David Priess
This is so great
Biking across the U.S. was always a dream for George Kent, but he turned it into a mission to support Ukraine. Strangers approached him, asked about the war, and contributed to his fundraiser, helping him collect over $100,000 for vehicles for frontline units.
🎥: @corrie-ua.bsky.social
🎥: @corrie-ua.bsky.social
November 18, 2025 at 3:37 PM
This is so great
Reposted by David Priess
“How soon?” asked Toad.
“Quite soon,” said Frog.
“Quite soon,” said Frog.
November 14, 2025 at 8:37 PM
“How soon?” asked Toad.
“Quite soon,” said Frog.
“Quite soon,” said Frog.