Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 24, 2025

After his recent visit to Ukraine, former CIA Executive Glenn Corn warns the war has entered a more dangerous phase — marked by fatigue, political strain, Russian disinformation, and growing doubts about U.S. resolve.

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 23, 2025

The Pentagon is weighing its biggest command shake-up in decades. But reorganizing combatant commands won’t be enough without deeper intelligence and interagency reform, writes Renee Novakoff, former Deputy Director of Intelligence for Sensitive Activities and Special Programs.

2025: 10 Events That Changed the World

President Trump has launched a process to designate Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations. The move targets Hamas-linked funding networks — and could have major regional, diplomatic, and domestic impacts.

After Bondi Beach, Nick Fishwick, a former senior member of the British Foreign Office, argues countering anti-semitism must be a national security priority. "Not least, because assuredly if we give up on the security of Jewish people others will be next."

The Cipher Brief's Recommended Reads for the Holidays https://www.thecipherbrief.com/the-cipher-brief-s-recommended-reads-for-the-holidays?share_id=9090513

As Ukraine fights an all-out, tech-driven war, the US is missing vital lessons from an ally on the front lines and must reverse this before the next conflict arrives. Read former CIA senior operations officer Sean Wiswesser's take in The Cipher Brief.

If the U.S. seeks to remove Maduro, could the best strategy be centered squarely on unmanned systems? Joey Gagnard and Nils Alstad offer a full unmanned game plan for Venezuela

China’s Navy is growing fast, commissioning the Fujian carrier and Sichuan assault ship as part of a massive shipbuilding surge. Experts warn Beijing’s expanding fleet is narrowing the gap with the U.S. and reshaping the balance of power in Asia.

A new book — The Great Heist: China’s Epic Campaign to Steal America’s Secrets by David R. Shedd and Andrew Badger — argues Beijing’s rise is powered by industrial espionage and theft. Read the review exclusively in The Cipher Brief.

Global Intelligence Report for Friday, December 5, 2025

Putin Sees “Useful Meetings”, the U.S. Should See a Trap Set for Inexperienced Negotiators warns former Chief of CIA's Central Eurasia Division https://www.thecipherbrief.com/putin-sets-trap-for-u-s-negotiators?share_id=9075935

Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, December 4, 2025

Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Senior National Security Columnist Walter Pincus poses serious questions about the legal and political stakes surrounding the Pentagon's narco-boat killings https://www.thecipherbrief.com/venezuela-caribbean-second-strike?share_id=9072034

The Kremlin's Kill List: Inside a Culture of State-Sponsored Murder. Russian intelligence agencies have been executing defectors, dissidents, and rivals for more than a century. Under Putin, the practice has become strategic—and celebrated

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Global Intelligence Report for Monday, December 1, 2025

‘Mind-Blowing’ Pentagon Overhaul Will Reshape Acquisition

A Real Life Example of Russian Information Operations

Global Intelligence Report for Fri, Nov 28, 2025 Soldier dies after D.C. attack/ Zelenskiy’s chief of staff resigns/ Europe weighs retaliating against Russia/ Report warns China building an “alternative world order.” Today’s OSR breaks it down. Subscribe for the expert context behind the headlines.

The U.S. Needs to Restore Deterrence Credibility Against Putin https://www.thecipherbrief.com/ukraine-russia-putin-price?share_id=9066443

Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Destroying Boats, Killing Crews, Escalating Risks: The Venezuela Gambit

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Falsehood moves faster than truth, not just because of the technology that transmits it, but because of a human tendency to push false news over factual news. How do we counter this?

Global Intelligence Report for Monday, November 24, 2025

Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory https://www.thecipherbrief.com/ukraine-peace-deal?share_id=9063400

Global Intelligence Report for Friday, November 21, 2025

Russia’s Intelligence Services After the War: Will They Be Held Accountable for their Failures?

Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, November 20, 2025

Washington is confronting a two-front nuclear challenge: Iran’s accelerating enrichment and North Korea’s rapidly expanding arsenal. Experts warn the U.S. may soon face simultaneous crises — and potential Tehran–Pyongyang cooperation.

What to Watch for in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Visit to Washington

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Ukraine’s new FP-5 “Flamingo” missile is being hailed as a potential game changer — long-range, heavy payload, and made in Ukraine. But can it really shift the war’s trajectory? A deep dive into the promise and limits of Kyiv’s newest weapon.

Global Intelligence Report for Monday, November 17, 2025

Global Intelligence Report for Sunday, November 16, 2025

Cybercriminals are faster, smarter, and more organized—thanks to AI. INTERPOL’s cybercrime chief explains how the world’s largest police organization is fighting back through intelligence sharing, global cooperation, and law enforcement training.

Hezbollah is quietly rearming in Lebanon, fueled by Iran’s shadowy networks. Drones, rockets, and finances are being rebuilt — raising stakes for Lebanon, Israel and the region.

Global Intelligence Report for Friday, November 14, 2025

A former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela on what the U.S. goals may be with the military buildup in the Caribbean. #maduro #counternarcotics #geraldford

Assessing the Pentagon’s Mission to Rebuild the ‘Arsenal of Freedom'

How America Can Balance Legal Migration with Strong National Security https://www.thecipherbrief.com/immigration-national-security?share_id=9049104

Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, November 12, 2025

A Cultural Autopsy of the Soviet Legacy - A Review of The Dark Side of the Earth: Russia’s Short-lived Victory over Totalitarianism by Mikhail Zygar

Trump’s talk of new “nuclear testing” rattled allies and adversaries. But is the U.S. already testing — just not the way he thinks? Walter Pincus explains what’s really happening beneath the Nevada desert. #nuclear #natsec https://www.thecipherbrief.com/nuclear-testing?share_id=9047450

​As Sudan’s civil war grinds into its third year, foreign states are arming rival militias, fueling one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises and reshaping the balance of power across the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, November 11, 2025