WEBINAR (3/11/26): Vigilance Is Not Enough: A History of United States Intelligence

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Mark Lowenthal releases new intelligence history book
• Event hosted by George Mason University's Hayden Center
• Discussion covers tech, civil liberties, democratic oversight
• Book signing and reception follow the live webinar
• Webinar livestreamed, recordings available online

Summary

The Michael V. Hayden Center at George Mason University is hosting a live‑streamed and in‑person webinar on March 11, 2026, featuring intelligence veteran Dr. Mark Lowenthal. Lowenthal will discuss his new book, Vigilance Is Not Enough: A History of United States Intelligence, which traces the evolution of the U.S. intelligence enterprise. The session, moderated by Dr. David Priess, will explore contemporary challenges such as technology, civil liberties, and democratic oversight. Attendees can purchase and have the book signed during a post‑event reception.

Pulse Analysis

The Hayden Center’s March 11 webinar brings together academia, government, and the private sector to examine the United States’ intelligence legacy through the lens of Dr. Mark Lowenthal’s latest work. Lowenthal, a former senior intelligence official and prolific author, provides a sweeping narrative that links Cold War foundations to today’s cyber‑dominated threat environment. By situating historical milestones alongside modern dilemmas, the event offers participants a rare synthesis of scholarly rigor and operational insight, making it a must‑watch for anyone tracking national security trends.

Beyond a historical recount, the conversation delves into three pressing themes: the balance between security imperatives and civil liberties, the disruptive influence of emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, and the governance challenges of maintaining democratic oversight in an increasingly opaque intelligence apparatus. Lowenthal’s perspective, grounded in decades of service and policy formulation, highlights how the National Intelligence Priorities Framework continues to shape collection and analysis priorities across administrations. These insights are especially relevant as legislators grapple with data‑privacy legislation and tech firms confront espionage accusations.

For professionals and scholars, the webinar serves as both a learning opportunity and a networking platform. The live Q&A allows attendees to probe nuanced policy questions, while the post‑event reception offers direct interaction with Lowenthal and the Hayden Center’s senior fellows. Recordings will be archived on the Center’s website and YouTube channel, extending the event’s reach to a global audience. By engaging with this content, decision‑makers can better anticipate intelligence challenges and craft informed strategies that align with democratic values and emerging technological realities.