The Cipher Brief

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Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

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.The administration’s National [...] More

Building U.S. Drone Dominance Brick by Brick

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

What’s on The Cipher Brief’s Digital Channel

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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State Secrets

In this edition of the State Secrets podcast, we’re talking with two men who are carrying one of the most legendary torches in modern thriller history. Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson are the powerhouse duo behind the tier one series and are the authors of the latest novel in the Tom Clancy, Jack Ryan universe - Executive Power. Host Suzanne Kelly talks with them about a covert team wiped out in Angola and a high-stakes hostage with action playing out on a global scale, of course. In other words, all the good stuff.