Past and present PIDB members convened in Washington, DC on November 19, 2025 for a panel discussion focused on modernizing classification.
Hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations, “Overcoming a Culture of Secrecy: Can the United States Kick its National Security Over-Classification Habit?” highlighted the PIDB’s long advocacy for reform of the national security information system.
The discussion was led and moderated by Mark Angelson, PIDB chair.
Participants included:
– Carter Burwell, partner at Debevoise & Plimpton and vice-chair of PIDB
– Ezra Cohen, vice-chair of PIDB and former acting Under-Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security
– Jennifer E. Sims, former member of PIDB
– Michael D. Thomas, Director of the Information Security Oversight Office
Vice Chair Cohen emphasized that, notwithstanding the dire need for technological modernization, an entrenched culture of secrecy impeding the timely sharing of essential information, frustrating oversight, and undermining public trust is perhaps the most significant impediment to positive change.
Former Member, Jennifer Sims described a mindset that has too often been “security first,” with the sole emphasis on what damage might happen if secrets are revealed, rather than focusing on decision advantage — the fundamental purpose of intelligence gathering and information-sharing.
Vice Chair Burwell noted that the ultimate harm of this culture of secrecy is an erosion in the foundations of our national security, which rests on the government’s ability to unite Americans and drive the common will in defense of the republic — consequences we are now clearly facing.
The PIDB is grateful to the Council on Foreign Relations for directing public attention, and drawing the expertise of its members, towards this critical issue.
A video recording of the event including a full transcript is available via the Council’s website.