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Intelligence

The Kremlin Files: Russia, the Modern Surveillance State

The Kremlin Files: Russia, the Modern Surveillance State

EXPERT OPINION / PERSPECTIVE — Ask any Russian intelligence officer about “naruzhka,” and you’ll see them nod knowingly. It’s the term for physical, [...] More

RussiaEuropeIntelligence

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The Future of U.S. Intelligence: Leaner, Smarter, and Tech-Focused

Renee Pruneau Novakoff

The Future of U.S. Intelligence: Leaner, Smarter, and Tech-Focused

EXPERT OPINION — It is time to reimagine the US intelligence community (IC). The 1947 National Security Act established the CIA which arguably had [...] More

Renee Pruneau NovakoffIntelligence

How We Got SSCI with a Little Help from CIA

Jason Manosevitz

How We Got SSCI with a Little Help from CIA

OPINION — You’ve probably seen that iconic photo of Senator Frank Church (D-ID) holding up a CIA poison dart gun, right? Or perhaps the one of [...] More

IntelligenceAlternative Perspectives

Cutting Cyber Intelligence Undermines National Security

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mark Montgomery

Cutting Cyber Intelligence Undermines National Security

OPINION — America’s cyber intelligence capabilities are being eviscerated while the threats to national security emanating from cyber space are [...] More

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mark MontgomeryIntelligenceTech/Cyber

Spy Versus Spy: Iran’s Playbook for Espionage in Israel

Matthew Levitt

Spy Versus Spy: Iran’s Playbook for Espionage in Israel

OPINION — Israel’s intelligence penetration of Iran played out in dramatic form over the course of the 12-day war this summer, but Iran is running an [...] More

IranIntelligenceMiddle EastAlternative Perspectives

Intelligence Reform Should Include an Updated Probability Yardstick

Dr. Jerry Laurienti

Intelligence Reform Should Include an Updated Probability Yardstick

OPINION — The US Intelligence Community (IC) is experiencing tumult and facing critique, and all things point to significant reform, creating an [...] More

Dr. Jerry LaurientiIntelligence

Expert Q&A: Undersea Cables Under Attack, from Outside and Within

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mike Studeman

Expert Q&A: Undersea Cables Under Attack, from Outside and Within

EXPERT Q&A — Reports of damage to undersea cables across the world are on the rise, with suspected foul play in many of these incidents. These cables [...] More

ChinaIntelligenceTech/CyberRear Adm. (Ret.) Mike StudemanAsia
Here’s How Russia’s Covert War Could Undermine its Own Goals

Here’s How Russia’s Covert War Could Undermine its Own Goals

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE / OPINION — The July 2025 sanctioning and indictment by the United Kingdom of three units and 18 individuals affiliated with the [...] More

RussiaEuropeIntelligence

I Sat Across the Table from China’s Spies. Here’s How They Operate in Fragile States

Masoud Andarabi

I Sat Across the Table from China’s Spies. Here’s How They Operate in Fragile States

OPINION — In 2016, I sat across the table from China’s Director of Operations for the Ministry of State Security (MSS). Their visit to Kabul was [...] More

ChinaAfghanistanIntelligenceAsia
Are Undersea Cables a “Backdoor for Espionage” Against the U.S.?

Are Undersea Cables a “Backdoor for Espionage” Against the U.S.?

CIPHER BRIEF REPORTING — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and members of Congress are warning that China may be engaged in underwater [...] More

ChinaIntelligenceTech/CyberAsia

When Truths Are Classified and Falsehoods Are Free

Mark Kelton

When Truths Are Classified and Falsehoods Are Free

OPINION -- What happens when an intelligence officer who has sworn to protect classified information can’t refute an erroneous news report or a [...] More

Intelligence

Two Existential Threats: CIA’s Reputation vs. Democracy’s Survival

Steven A. Cash

Two Existential Threats: CIA’s Reputation vs. Democracy’s Survival

OPINION -- In his recent Cipher Brief essay, CIA's Latest Existential Challenge, former CIA senior officer Mark Kelton argues that the Central [...] More

IntelligenceCIAAlternative Perspectives

CIA's Latest Existential Challenge

Mark Kelton

CIA's Latest Existential Challenge

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE / OPINION -- Today, the Central Intelligence Agency faces a crisis of trust. While CIA officers have long confronted adversaries [...] More

Intelligence