CI Press, Episode 94: Inside the Mind of a Terrorist with FBI Counterterrorism Expert Brigg Barker
Retired FBI Special Agent Brigg Barker joins CI Press to share frontline counterterrorism experience spanning the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings, post-9/11 investigations, and years of operational work targeting extremist networks.
In this episode, Brig breaks down his structured interviewing methodology (RQRD), explains how to identify stages of radicalization, and outlines the tactical roles individuals play inside terrorist cells. The discussion examines modern counterterrorism challenges, including online recruitment, lone-actor attacks, Salafi-inspired recruitment tactics, returning foreign fighters, and the national security risks tied to unvetted migration flows.
Brig also provides strategic insight into why portions of Africa are emerging as potential extremist strongholds, and what intelligence professionals, security practitioners, and informed citizens can do to mitigate risk.
This conversation offers practical, experience-driven insight into counterterrorism investigations, radicalization indicators, and national security threat prevention.
Listeners are encouraged to read Barker’s book, The Dark Trajectory of Jihad, follow him on LinkedIn for continued analysis, and remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity through proper authorities.