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

Venezuela’s Key Takeaways for the World

Mapping a New Way Forward with Assets, Allies and Oil

Venezuela’s Key Takeaways for the World

CIPHER BRIEF EXPERT INTERVIEW – While the U.S. operation to detain Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro took just hours to execute, a full assessment [...] More

AmericasBrad ChristianLatin America
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The Open Source Report

Nicolas Maduro is seen in handcuffs after landing at a Manhattan helipad, escorted by heavily armed Federal agents as they make their way into an armored car en route to a Federal courthouse in Manhattan on January 5, 2026 in New York City.

Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Maduro pleads not guilty in U.S. court as interim leader appears to soften stance

New Threat to Ukrainian Aviation as Russia Arms Shahed Drones With MANPADS

Israel Strikes Hezbollah and Hamas Sites in Lebanon Ahead of Disarmament Talks

China’s Influence in Latin America Tested After U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro

Access Today’s Report

Expert Insights

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

High Risk in Venezuela—To What End?

Walter Pincus

OPINION — “I knew the possible danger. It was a very dangerous operation. It was amazing that we had a few injured, but all are in good shape right now, but I knew there was great danger. You got off a helicopter. The [...] More

AmericasLatin AmericaWalter PincusFine Print

Human Agency in a Technology-Mediated World

Jennifer Ewbank

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — Occasionally, a speech does more than mark a leadership transition or outline institutional priorities. It captures, with unusual clarity, the nature of the moment we are living through and the [...] More

InternationalTech/Cybernational security
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News & Analysis

After Venezuela, What Is Next in 2026?

After Venezuela, What Is Next in 2026?

CIPHER BRIEF EXPERT Q&A — President Donald Trump said the U.S. is "in charge" in Venezuela after U.S. forces detained President Nicolas Maduro on [...] More

AmericasBrad ChristianLatin America

Opinion

Building U.S. Drone Dominance Brick by Brick

Phil Waymon, Master Sergeant (Ret.)

Building U.S. Drone Dominance Brick by Brick

OPINION — One of the things I loved about LEGO as a child was the ability to mix and match an endless amount of parts to create unique builds. [...] More

Alternative PerspectivesTech/Cybermilitary

What’s on The Cipher Brief’s Digital Channel

Tapping a China Vibe in South Koreaplay icon

Tapping a China Vibe in South Korea

The Open Source Report

Book Reviews

Cold War, Hot Zone: Inside the New Arctic Rivalry
Cold War, Hot Zone: Inside the New Arctic Rivalry

The Global Shadow War Behind the Cold War
The Global Shadow War Behind the Cold War

When Symphony Met Starvation: The Untold Stories of Leningrad's Siege
When Symphony Met Starvation: The Untold Stories of Leningrad's Siege

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The Best National Security Gossip

TAKE OUT AT “PAPA DON’S” – Perhaps you heard that there was a flurry of activity over the weekend as President Trump was making comments on Air Force One suggesting that Colombia, Cuba, or Greenland might be next on the menu following Saturday’s extraction of Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela. Where do you turn for indicators and warnings when more military action may be on order? For some folks – they closely read the thoughts of former CIA senior executives - for others, the answer might be in the Pizza Prediction Report and similar sites that purport to track increased ordering from pizza restaurants near the Pentagon. [...] More

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Events

Live Events

The Cipher Brief 2026 HONORS Awards

The Cipher Brief 2026 HONORS Awards

Join us for the third annual Cipher Brief Honors Dinner, the evening of March 13, 2026. This Black-Tie event is invite only, please apply here for a [...] More

Upcoming: 13 March, 2026

Podcasts

State Secrets

Cipher Brief CEO & Publisher Suzanne Kelly sits down with Executive Producer Sebastian Junger to talk about the Netflix documentary ‘Marines’ and whether today’s fighting force is the one we need in today’s threat environment.

Cover Stories: Spies, Books & Entertainment


David McCloskey, former CIA Analyst turned novelist is out with his fourth book, The Persian, about an Iranian dentist who is recruited by Mossad to take on a dangerous mission inside Iran. Cover Stories Host Suzanne Kelly digs in on how McCloskey’s real-life Intelligence background fueled his latest novel, and discovers a few of McCloskey’s own secrets along the way.