The Efficacy of Strategic Empathy in War Zones from a Former CIA Deputy Director of the Counterterrorism Center

Harvard Faculty, Fellows, Staff, and Students

Join the Intelligence Project for a seminar with Darrell Blocker, former CIA Deputy Director of the Counterterrorism Center. Darrell Blocker will touch upon his time in the CIA and speak to the efficacy of kindness and strategic empathy in conducting operations, particularly in war zones.

His talk will build upon his 2022 TEDxUGA presentation, titled "Listen More, Speak Less: Lessons in Kindness from a CIA Operative," which focuses on an example from his time in the CIA of how kindness is a choice that can both change and save lives.

This seminar will be moderated by the Intelligence Project and held under Chatham House rules. It will be in person only and open to registrants with a valid Harvard ID.

Date: Thu, Nov 14, 2024 Time: 01:30pm - 02:45pm Location: Belfer Building - Starr Auditorium, Floor 2.5

Darrell Blocker is a 28-year veteran of the CIA’s clandestine service and recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. He served as Deputy Director of the Counterterrorism Center and Chief Africa Division. Darrell served multiple tours as a Chief of Station, and spent time in Central American, Africa, Pakistan, and Europe, as well as four domestic tours. Darrell retired from the Agency in October 2018 and started DMB Consulting Services, a strategic advisory firm which provides clients with crisis management solutions, risk assessments, leadership coaching, keynote presentations, and national security and international affairs guidance.