On Wednesday, February 5th, IWP hosted Dr. Kevin Riehle for a lecture on his new book, The Russian FSB. Dr. David Thomas, IWP Professor of Intelligence, introduced Dr. Riehle as “the epitome of a scholar-practitioner” in Russian intelligence studies.
Dr. Riehle dedicated his career in the Federal Bureau of Investigation to studying foreign intelligence threats to the United States and supporting counterintelligence operations to mitigate those threats. He concluded his U.S. government career as an associate professor of strategic intelligence at the National Intelligence University, where he taught U.S. intelligence professionals and oversaw more than 40 master’s theses on intelligence, counterintelligence, and Eurasian affairs. He currently is a lecturer at Brunel University in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Riehle’s book, The Russian FSB, explores the origins and development of Russia’s Federal Security Service, formerly known as the KGB. He analyzes its historical formation, structure, leaders, international affiliations, missions, and how the FSB is depicted in the media. The book provides a comprehensive, well-researched analysis of the FSB, explaining its pivotal role in Putin’s Russia. At the end of his talk, Dr. Riehle took questions from the audience and was presented with an IWP coin as a token of the Institute’s appreciation.
The lecture was sponsored by the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) Alpha Student Chapter at IWP, the first-ever IAFIE student chapter. Dedicated to advancing intelligence education, the chapter provides IWP students and alumni opportunities for deeper engagement and professional development in the intelligence field. In attendance was Ms. Marilyn Peterson, President of the DC Chapter of IAFIE.