Please Note: This program has a rescheduled date (originally October 13, 2020).

STREAMING PROGRAM INFORMATION

• This program is part of our Smithsonian Associates Streaming series.
• Platform: Zoom
• Online registration is required.
• For multiple registrations, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses.

Early in his life John Brennan enjoyed riding motorcycles. But then, things hardly ever slowed down for him. Drawing on his new memoir, Undaunted: My Fight Against America's Enemies, at Home and Abroad, former CIA director John Brennan recounts events that led him to the top of the American intelligence community. Along the way he served under six administrations and was responsible for some of the nation's most crucial and consequential national security decisions.

Brennan begins his story with what was his first and only intelligence briefing for then President-elect Donald Trump on January 6, 2017, which was also the day he said his final farewell to his father, from whom he had learned the lessons of goodness, integrity, and honor that informed an unparalleled career.

He provides glimpses inside the CIA and the selfless and invisible contributions of the women and men working there. He also offers a rare, behind -the-scenes look at crucial moments in recent U.S. history, from the first Gulf war, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the hunt for Bin Laden, to the discovery of Russia's aggressive efforts to undermine U.S. national security and interference in the 2016 election. Brennan also discusses the CIA's role in the U.S. government, and the rhetoric that has, at times, undermined its reputation in the eyes of the American people and of members of Congress.

In conversation with David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama, Brennan sheds light on the world of national security, the intelligence profession, and Washington's chaotic political environment. He also shares a personal story about a man striving for integrity for himself, for the CIA, and for his country. 

The ticket price includes a copy of Undaunted (Celadon Books). (see Book Distribution Information for added details).

Book Distribution Information

The featured book, with a book plate signed by the author, is included with the ticket price. Books will be shipped by Politics and Prose to your home address, so please review the accuracy of your name and address at the time of registration. Undaunted will be released on October 6. Please allow 2-4 weeks for book delivery.

If you do not want your personal information shared with the distributor, please email CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org. Opting out from receiving the book does not reduce the registration fee.

Patron Information

• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.