The Cipher Brief: National Security news, analysis and expert commentary.

The Open Source Report

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Heavy strikes shake Beirut as Israel expands Lebanon campaign

Ukraine left in security limbo with Zelensky U.S. trip results unclear

Gonzalez says he will return to Venezuela to take office in January 

America is losing Southeast Asia to China

Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg: ‘So far, we have called Putin’s bluff’

AI startups ride on investor frenzy to raise billions in 2024

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The Experts

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

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Featured Viewing

OCTOBER 7: ONE YEAR LATER | THE WORLD DECIPHERED Ep. 9


Opinion

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INTERPOL Director of Cybercrime talks AI, Scams, and International Collaboration | The Cipher Brief

The Escalating Situation in the Middle East | THE WORLD DECIPHERED SPECIAL EPISODE

Escalation & Options in the Middle East | The Cipher Brief


Book Reviews

Dead Drop

This Week’s Dead Drop: October 4

THERE IS NOTHING CERTAIN EXCEPT DEATH AND TAXES:  So said (allegedly), Ben Franklin. But you know who would agree with him?  Americans who are held hostage by foreign evil-doers. For example, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich who was released from Russian custody in August was warmly welcomed home by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Internal Revenue Service, which reportedly billed him for taxes he failed to pay while in Putin’s prison. Fellow recently released prisoners Paul Whelan and Vladimir Kara-Murza were also hit with surprise tax [...] More

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Podcasts

State Secrets

The Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency touches more than 90% of the personnel security background checks that help determine whether a job candidate receives a security clearance. But the agency has other missions as well, all focused on enhancing national security. State Secrets podcast host Suzanne Kelly talks with Director David Cattler about the agency’s responsibilities, about just how long it takes to get a clearance, the challenges associated with clearing a workforce and about whether that marijuana you once tried really is a dealbreaker (we couldn’t resist the urge to ask).

Cover Stories: Spies, Books & Entertainment

We talk with retired Navy Rear Admiral Mike Studeman about his book “Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity about why trust in leaders in the public and private sector has sunk to all-time lows and his formula for restoring and keeping that trust.Drawing on his naval experience (and heritage) Studeman explains how every person in an organization must pull their share of the load – because one weak link may sink the enterprise.The book has great value for sailors and non-sailors alike, giving readers insights on how to harden their own leadership mettle.


What the Experts Say

Since retiring from CIA in 2017, I’ve been honored to be a part of the exceptional Cipher Brief team providing expert assessment – whether it’s nuclear proliferation, transnational terrorism, and climate change or hard targets like Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia – The Cipher Brief delivers without the predisposed ideological bias so often prevalent in today’s discourse.
Daniel Hoffman

I’m proud to be part of the network of experts at The Cipher Brief, which provides superb geopolitical advice and intelligence insights.

Admiral James Stavridis

The Cipher Brief has become the preeminent information platform for the national security community. I read it, I contribute to it, and I recommend it to military, civilian, and industry partners seeking the most up-to-date and expert analysis of the major issues facing the government, business, and others committed to the security of the nation.

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Guy C. Swann III

For privileged insights into the events of the day which shape the world of tomorrow, there is no better source than The Cipher Brief. Independent, fact-based, and infused with the hard-earned perspectives of its experts, The Cipher Brief stands apart and above.

Paul Kolbe

The Cipher Brief has quickly established itself as a go-to site among Washington national security devotees – and those outside the capital as well. Readers have learned that they can quickly catch up on the latest news, take deeper dives into the key issues, and get a peek behind the curtain with Cipher’s unique Dead Drop feature – all on one user friendly spot.

John McLaughlin

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