“The real challenge these days, and that is of concern for the international community, is the foreign element inside the extremist groups in Syria,” Flynn said.

Beyond the discussion of current events, Flynn said he hoped the forum would educate the younger generation about the institution’s evolving role in the context of modern-day security challenges.

“I hope [the audience] gain[ed] an appreciation for the demands our nation is facing in this 21st-century world,” he said.

Carolyn R. Ye ’17 agreed, noting that Flynn’s analysis of Snowden’s leaks and the DIA’s response toward the leaks has clarified her understanding of U.S. intelligence groups.

“There’s this whole mystique about the intelligence agencies,” Ye said.  “[The forum] cleared up a lot of misconceptions about the DIA.”

Flynn ended the evening by acknowledging the difficulties of the past, yet looking forward.

“When you look at where we are today in the scale and the scope of some of the security challenges we face,” Flynn said. “That is the here and now. We need to think about the future, your future.”

—Staff writer Meg P. Bernhard can be reached at mbernhard@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on twitter @Meg_Bernhard.