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Intelligence

From Secrets to Sensors: Why Open Source Data Must Drive Modern Intelligence

Renee Pruneau Novakoff

From Secrets to Sensors: Why Open Source Data Must Drive Modern Intelligence

THE BLUF / COLUMN — The Department of Defense is on a tear to revamp technology for warfighters. Secretary Hegseth signed an AI strategy on 9 [...] More

Renee Pruneau NovakoffIntelligence

The Latest

A file picture taken 12 July 2007 shows the headquarters (aka Lubianka) of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the former KGB in Moscow.

Russia’s Intelligence Services After the War

Russia’s intelligence services (RIS) have failed spectacularly in Ukraine: in planning, execution, and analysis, yet they will face no reckoning. [...] More

RussiaEuropeIntelligence

The Downside to Mission Focus: Why the Intelligence Community Should Not Forget to Look Inward

Josh Kerbel

The Downside to Mission Focus: Why the Intelligence Community Should Not Forget to Look Inward

Not long ago, I was talking to an old friend and China analyst about the need for Intelligence Community (IC) analysts to spend significantly more [...] More

Alternative PerspectivesIntelligence

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

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

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 Senator Barry [...] More

Alternative PerspectivesIntelligence

Cutting Cyber Intelligence Undermines National Security

Rear Adm. (Ret.) Mark Montgomery

Cutting Cyber Intelligence Undermines National Security

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

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

Alternative PerspectivesIranIntelligenceMiddle East

Intelligence Reform Should Include an Updated Probability Yardstick

Dr. Jerry Laurienti

Intelligence Reform Should Include an Updated Probability Yardstick

The US Intelligence Community (IC) is experiencing tumult and facing critique, and all things point to significant reform, creating an opening for [...] 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&AReports 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

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 tightly [...] 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