The Cipher Brief
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The Cipher Brief is the only media outlet focused exclusively on bringing you a higher level of confidence around national security events via news, analysis, and interviews with government and private sector leaders.
Is Venezuela the Next Battleground for Strategic Influence and Control? https://www.thecipherbrief.com/a-trained-eye-sees-strategic-patterns-in-venezuela?share_id=9111578
January 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Is Venezuela the Next Battleground for Strategic Influence and Control? https://www.thecipherbrief.com/a-trained-eye-sees-strategic-patterns-in-venezuela?share_id=9111578
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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December 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
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.
This is Perhaps Ukraine’s Most Dangerous Time
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — Each of my eight trips to Ukraine since retiring from the CIA in the summer of 2023 has been filled with unique challenges. Each time I’ve witnessed first-hand the sacrifices the Ukrainians are making on a daily basis to fight for their country’s independence. And while each tri
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December 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
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
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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December 23, 2025 at 12:41 PM
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.
We Need More Than Just a Command Shakeup in the U.S. Military
EXPERT OPINION — Reports came out last week that claim the Chairman of Joint Staff, General Dan Caine, is preparing a new unified command plan (UCP) that will reorganize and consolidate the regional combatant commands. According to press reports, the proposal, which is to go to the Secretary and the
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December 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
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
2025: 10 Events That Changed the World
SPECIAL REPORT — In a turbulent year, one of the biggest national security stories came in the form of a document.
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December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
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.
What Would Follow a Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation?
The move to label Brotherhood affiliates as terrorist groups could reshape regional alliances, financial networks, and U.S. domestic politics.
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December 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
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."
Anti-Semitism is a National Security Issue: It’s Time to Treat it Like One
EXPERT OPINION / PERSPECTIVE -- Less than three months ago, two people were killed in a terrorist attack on Jewish people in a synagogue in Manchester, UK, on the most solemn day of the Jewish religious calendar.
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December 16, 2025 at 8:14 PM
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
December 14, 2025 at 7:26 PM
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.
Echoes of 1940: Learning from an Ally at War and Preparing the U.S. for the Next Fight
As Ukraine fights a tech-driven war, America risks missing out by watching from afar
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December 11, 2025 at 7:51 PM
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
Why an Unmanned Mission May be Most Effective in Venezuela
OPINION — Wars are increasingly fought by unconventional means. A recent example is Ukrainian insertion of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to attack Russian airfields, launched from civilian outfitted trucks. The Israeli pager attacks are another example of leveraging unconventional means to achieve a
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December 10, 2025 at 5:13 PM
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.
What China’s ‘World-Class Navy’ Means for the U.S. and Asia
Experts worry that the U.S. is losing a critical edge in the competition with Beijing
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December 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM
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.
Stealing Success: A Hard Look at China's Rise
BOOK REVIEW: The Great Heist: China’s Epic Campaign to Steal America’s Secrets
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December 5, 2025 at 4:27 PM
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
Global Intelligence Report for Friday, December 5, 2025
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December 5, 2025 at 12:05 PM
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
December 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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 Thursday, December 4, 2025
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December 4, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, December 4, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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December 3, 2025 at 12:20 PM
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
December 2, 2025 at 12:47 PM
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
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
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December 2, 2025 at 12:34 PM
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 Tuesday, December 2, 2025
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December 2, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, December 1, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, December 1, 2025
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December 1, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, December 1, 2025
‘Mind-Blowing’ Pentagon Overhaul Will Reshape Acquisition
‘Mind-Blowing’ Pentagon Overhaul Will Reshape Acquisition
A top entrepreneur’s perspective on the risks and rewards of startup-style innovation at the Pentagon
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November 28, 2025 at 5:36 PM
‘Mind-Blowing’ Pentagon Overhaul Will Reshape Acquisition
A Real Life Example of Russian Information Operations
A Real Life Example of Russian Information Operations
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — In January of 2018, I was involved in organizing and supporting the visit of General Aleksandr Bortnikov, and Sergey Naryshkin, the heads of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), respectively, to Washington D.C. to discuss counterterr
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November 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
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.
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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.
Global Intelligence Report for Friday, November 28, 2025
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November 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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.
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
November 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The U.S. Needs to Restore Deterrence Credibility Against Putin https://www.thecipherbrief.com/ukraine-russia-putin-price?share_id=9066443