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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Threat summary
Andrew G. McCabe
How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump
19 mins
Brief summary
The Threat by Andrew G. McCabe is an insightful memoir that exposes Trump’s corrupt activities as FBI’s acting director. It reveals how he protected America from external and internal threats while facing the most challenging situations as a law enforcement official.
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The Threat
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Key idea 1 of 6
The FBI has changed dramatically since 9/11.
Even though almost two decades have passed, most people vividly remember September 11, 2001. When New York’s Twin Towers collapsed after being struck by hijacked aircraft, everybody watching knew this was a momentous event. Even so, few could’ve predicted just how radically it would alter American society and the wider world.
One organization, in particular, changed irreversibly and almost overnight: The Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI – the US federal law enforcement agency.
To be clear, the FBI has always investigated terrorist threats. The Counterterrorism Division and its criminal and counterintelligence equivalents have long been the Bureau’s three main branches. The agency mainly concentrated on high-level criminal activity, however, like organized crime and drug trafficking.
This is still a crucial function of the FBI, but 9/11 completely changed the rules of the game and the Bureau shifted its central focus to protecting American citizens by preventing acts of terrorism.
Overnight, counterterrorism operations took precedence, and funding and human resources for the division responsible grew quickly.
This meant, among other things, a growth in the number of units within the Counterterrorism Division. Before September 11 there were only two within the Counterterrorism Division – an Osama bin Laden Unit and a Radical Fundamentalist Unit. After September 11, dozens of counterterrorism units were created, including those dedicated to the financing of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. But these changes went further than simple resource allocation or restructuring: 9/11 transformed the Bureau’s internal culture.
Before the attacks, the FBI was riddled with division along both departmental and interpersonal lines. There was a fierce rivalry between the criminal and counterterrorism divisions, for example, with each believing they did the “real” work. And the FBI employs over 30,000 people, which requires a diverse range of skills, from bulky strongmen who excel in hand-to-hand combat to computer science experts working on cybersecurity. Often, those with different specializations couldn’t find common ground.
Again, 9/11 changed this. The day after the attacks, it was like a gust of air had blown through the stuffy corridors of the FBI’s Washington headquarters. There was a new sense of unity – everyone there was FBI, and everyone was in it together. The attacks were a watershed moment: The Bureau would never be the same again, and neither would its methods.
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What is The Threat about?
The Threat (2019) offers an inside look at America’s famous nation-wide law enforcement agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI. Written with the lucid precision you’d expect from a high-ranking former FBI official, this book depicts the organization’s inner workings, details the methods it uses to protect the public, and explains why terrorism and President Donald Trump are currently the nation’s biggest threats.
The Threat Review
The Threat (2019) by Andrew G. McCabe is a riveting account of the inner workings of the FBI and the challenges they face in upholding justice. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with detailed insider information, it provides a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of high-stakes investigations and national security.
- Through compelling storytelling and first-hand experiences, McCabe sheds light on the complexities of counterintelligence and the fight against corruption.
- Its relevant and timely subject matter grabs the reader's attention and keeps them engaged, ensuring that there is never a dull moment in this captivating exposé.
Who should read The Threat?
- Law-enforcement buffs wondering how the FBI operates
- Concerned Americans curious about how the organization protects them
- Law-abiding citizens seeking to understand the FBI’s biggest challenges today
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The Threat FAQs
What is the main message of The Threat?
The main message of The Threat is a firsthand account of the FBI's efforts to safeguard the United States from external and internal threats.
How long does it take to read The Threat?
The reading time for The Threat varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Threat a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Threat is a captivating book that offers unique insights into the inner workings of the FBI and the challenges it faces. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Threat?
The author of The Threat is Andrew G. McCabe.
What to read after The Threat?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Threat, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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