Episode 57 - Sasha Larkin and Protecting Mega Sports Events

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring teams and fans from around the globe to North America - and with them, a range of potential security challenges. In episode 57 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel speaks with Sasha Larkin, Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for the tournament, to explore how security planning is unfolding for the world's largest sporting event. They also discuss her experience as Assistant Sheriff in Las Vegas, tackling terrorism, organised crime, and active shooter incidents, and how her community-first approach strengthens resilience at every level.Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

The fate of Ukraine has global ramifications. In episode 56 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by Lieutenant Colonel (R) Alexander Vindman to assess Ukraine’s war effort and why it needs to be supported and sustained. They also discuss the Kremlin’s surprise reshuffle and Russia’s expanding agenda across Europe and Asia. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠ Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

In addition to the events unfolding in the Middle East, global security challenges continues to proliferate elsewhere. In episode 55 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by Prof. Mahmut Cengiz to discuss the state of global terrorism from Iran to the Sahel and Somalia to Syria. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠ Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Iran's activities have been at the forefront of global events in recent months. Tehran's proxies have launched multiple missile strikes into neighbouring countries and have targeted the U.S. military, whilst the Houthis in Yemen have brought global maritime trade to a standstill. Join Dr. Sajjan Gohel and former CENTCOM Commander Joseph Votel in episode 54 of NATO DEEP Dive to unpack these issues and more. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Now more than ever, it is becoming increasingly easier to find extremist content on the internet. We find ourselves in an era characterized by flashy and digestible sound bites that quickly circulate online. This also leads to the proliferation of disinformation. To unpack this, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by two senior members of the NYPD's counterterrorism division, Meghann Teubner and Kelli Foy, in episode 53 of NATO DEEP Dive. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Even after his death, al-Qaeda's last leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, continues to influence global terrorism. Through his 'Safe Bases' strategy, al-Qaeda and its affiliates are seeking to restore capabilities in Afghanistan, the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan. Join the producers, Marcus and Victoria, for the final part of this NATO DEEP Dive special with Dr. Sajjan Gohel, as they discuss his new book, Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist: The Life and Legacy of Al-Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

How does a person of privilege and status become the world's most wanted terrorist? In the first of a two-part special, Dr. Sajjan Gohel discusses his new book, Doctor, Teacher, Terrorist: The Life and Legacy of al-Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Often forgotten in the shadow of bin Landen, the Egyptian ideologue was his closest ally and a pivotal figure in his own right, significantly influencing transnational terrorism across five decades. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠   Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Journalist, author, and Russian dissident, Andrei Soldatov joins Dr. Sajjan Gohel in the latest instalment of NATO DEEP Dive. In episode 50, Andrei details the brutal methods employed by Vladimir Putin, dating back to the Second Chechen War, to ensure his grasp on power remains firm. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠⁠  Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

Over 2 years after the Taliban takeover, friend of the show David Loyn returns to discuss recent developments in Afghanistan. Alongside Dr. Sajjan Gohel, David discusses how the regime is more extreme now than it was during the 1990s and details its continuous engagement with al-Qaeda and its assault on the rights of women. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠⁠  Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.

As the only law enforcement agency under the U.S. legislative branch, the DC Capitol Police is responsible for protecting members of Congress both domestically and overseas. In recent years, the Capitol Police have played a crucial role in defending members of the U.S. government, from the storming of the Capitol building on January 6 2021, to protecting Congressmen and women from increasingly emboldened hostile state actors. In episode 48 of NATO DEEP Dive, Dr. Sajjan Gohel is joined by Ravi Satkalmi, the Director of Intelligence for the United States Capitol Police, to discuss the importance of the agency, the changing nature of extremist ideologies, and the importance of greater representation in all aspects of law enforcement. Full transcripts for each episode can be found at:⁠ https://deepportal.hq.nato.int/eacademy/deep-dive-podcasts/⁠  Follow DEEP Dive to stay up to date with each new upload.