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

The Coming Age of Robotic Warfare

The opportunity – and danger – of AI-powered robotic armies

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A battalion of armed robots moves against a unit of soldiers, aiming to seize territory. In the ensuing battle, the robots open fire, communicate [...] More

Tech/Cyber
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The Open Source Report

<span>Global Intelligence Report for Friday, November 6, 2026</span>

Global Intelligence Report for Friday, November 6, 2026

Iran-linked ships hover over subsea cables after threats

Rubio reportedly weighs leaving administration after Republicans’ midterm loss

U.S. lawmakers summon Nvidia’s Jensen Huang over Chinese spying concerns

Wave of bomb threats impact flights across Europe for third time this week

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Expert Insights

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

Opinion

China's Return to One-Man Rule

Ambassador Joseph DeTrani

The U.S. will be holding mid-term elections on November 3, to elect the people’s representatives to enact laws, provide oversight and represent the people. In sharp contrast, China’s ruling Communist Party (CCP) announced [...] More

Ambassador Joseph DeTrani
Opinion

BLUF: The Next AI Problem for Intelligence Is Not the Model, It's the Manager

Renee Pruneau Novakoff

The Intelligence Community has decided AI agents are coming. It has not decided how they will be supervised, checked and held to analytic standards. In April, CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis said analysts will soon work [...] More

Renee Pruneau Novakoff
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News & Analysis

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How Far Should the U.S. Go to Defend Saudi Arabia?

Recent deadly attacks by Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis inside of Saudi Arabia have raised questions about just how far the U.S. should go in helping [...] More

Middle East Expert View

Opinion

In Its Race to Field AI, The Pentagon’s Testing Can’t Keep Up

Jen Warren

In Its Race to Field AI, The Pentagon’s Testing Can’t Keep Up

CNN reported, citing four sources familiar with the episode, that the U.S. military prepared to intercept a Chinese vessel after an AI-assisted [...] More

Alternative Perspectives

What’s on The Cipher Brief’s Digital Channel

Book Reviews

Aristotle’s Answer: Rethinking The Thucydides Trap
Aristotle’s Answer: Rethinking The Thucydides Trap

A Case Officer’s Elegy For Sarajevo
A Case Officer’s Elegy For Sarajevo

Through Churchill’s lens: Kennedy’s self-creation into Greatness
Through Churchill’s lens: Kennedy’s self-creation into Greatness

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The Best National Security Gossip

EUROPE'S AIRSPACE UNDER SIEGE: Europe's airlines are discovering that you don't need a missile to disrupt air travel. A wave of bomb hoaxes threatening passenger aircraft has forced diversions, emergency landings and fighter-jet escorts across the continent. The threats have also extended to broadcasters, including Ireland's RTÉ, Britain's Sky News and Bulgaria's NOVA. European investigators are examining possible Russian involvement, including the use of coordinated false threats to create disruption and public anxiety. Attribution remains unconfirmed. For those of us who are national security minded and like to just [...] More

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Events

Live Events

2026 Threat Conference

2026 Threat Conference

The Cipher Brief Threat Conference is the nation’s premier forum for non-partisan discussion of global threats and solutions as well as high-level [...] More

Previous Event: 25 October, 2026

The Cipher Brief 2027 HONORS Awards

The Cipher Brief 2027 HONORS Awards

Join us for the third annual Cipher Brief Honors Dinner, the evening of April 9, 2027. This Black-Tie event is invite-only. Please apply here for a [...] More

Upcoming: 09 April, 2027

Podcasts

State Secrets

Russia’s war against Ukraine is being fought on the battlefield, but another confrontation is unfolding across Europe. From drone incursions and sabotage operations to cyberattacks and threats against critical infrastructure, Moscow’s expanding gray zone campaign is raising urgent questions about NATO’s ability to respond.

In this episode of State Secrets, host Suzanne Kelly is joined by Dr. Jacek Siewiera, former head of Poland’s National Security Bureau and former senior national security advisor to the Polish president, and Dave Pitts, former senior CIA executive and co-founder of The Cipher Brief’s Gray Zone Group.

Together, they examine how Russia is using hybrid warfare to test NATO’s defenses, spread fear and uncertainty, and undermine European support for Ukraine. They also explore the growing risks posed by drone technology, the potential use of chemical and radiological weapons, and why traditional deterrence strategies may no longer be enough.

As Russia’s shadow war expands beyond Ukraine, what will it take for Europe and the United States to effectively deter Moscow before these threats escalate further?