Janes podcast takes the debate on the ever-increasing role of unclassified intelligence to new levels.
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NATO allies have committed to ambitious defence spending goals, but funding alone does not create military capability. In this episode, Janes analysts Guy Anderson and Andrew MacDonald join Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale to assess what the latest NATO Summit reveals about the alliance's progress towards greater readiness, resilience and deterrence. Together, they examine defence investment trends, industrial capacity, collaborative procurement and the economic realities that could shape future outcomes. The conversation explores where progress is being made, where risks remain, and what in
In this episode of World of Intelligence, Cristina Varriale and Sean Corbett are joined by Major General Dominic Goulet, Deputy Director for Commonwealth Integration at the US Defense Intelligence Agency, and retired Major General John Howard, former Chief of Defence Intelligence for the New Zealand Defence Force. Together, they explore the future of intelligence, the role of AI in analysis, the growing importance of unclassified intelligence, and what intelligence leaders must do to adapt to an era defined by disruption, speed and information abundance.
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, we delve into the pressing issue of energy security in the context of recent global disruptions. Joined by Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, we explore the current landscape of energy supply chains and the geopolitical factors at play, particularly in oil and gas markets. Ben provides insights into the unprecedented shock stemming from the Gulf region, the implications for countries reliant on these energy resources, and the complex adjustments markets are making in response. We also discuss the longer-term impacts of these disru
China’s naval capabilities are expanding at pace — but scale alone does not equal power. In this episode of The World of Intelligence, Janes analyst Mike Plunkett, Senior Naval Platforms joins Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale to examine what the rapid modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army Navy really means for regional stability and global security. Drawing on unclassified intelligence, satellite imagery and long term capability assessment, the discussion explores how China has moved from a coastal defence force to a modern fleet with global ambitions. The episode unpacks the drivers
Grey zone and hybrid warfare are no longer peripheral challenges—they are shaping the security environment that democracies must navigate every day. In this episode of World of Intelligence, Christina Varriale and Sean Corbett are joined by Elisabeth Braw, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council to unpack what grey zone and hybrid warfare really mean, and why precision in how we define them matters. The conversation explores how hostile actors operate below the threshold of armed conflict, blending kinetic and non kinetic activity to disrupt societies, undermine trust and complicate decision making. F
In this episode of World of Intelligence, hosts Cristina Varriale and Sean Corbett, Chair of the Janes Advisory Board, are joined by Professor Dr Katarzyna Zysk of the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies to examine why the High North matters for global security. They explore its strategic geography; sea based nuclear deterrent considerations; undersea cables and critical infrastructure; and the operational realities that shape ISR and communications in austere Arctic conditions.
Conflicts across Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea rarely dominate international headlines, yet their strategic importance, humanitarian consequences, and implications for global security are considerable. In this episode of World of Intelligence, host Cristina Varriale is joined by Sean Corbett, Chair of the Janes Advisory Board, along with Janes analysts Maria Lampoudi and Chris Hawkins, to examine the complex dynamics driving instability across the region. Together, they explore the realities on the ground, including the evolution of Sudan’s civil war, ongoing Ethiopia–Eritrea tensio
In this episode of World of Intelligence, hosts Kate Cox and Sean Corbett are joined by Alexander Stronell, Manager of OSINT Force Monitoring (OFM), and Miko Vranic, Lead Russia analyst, to unpack one of the most daring operations of the Ukraine-Russia conflict – ‘Operation Spiderweb’. Together, they break down how in June 2025 Ukraine executed a meticulously planned series of drone strikes reaching deep into Russian territory, disrupting strategic bomber bases from European Russia to the Far East. The team explores the tactical ingenuity behind the attacks, the intelligence tradecraft used to
Iran’s latest wave of protests—sparked by currency collapse and rapidly shifting into anti government unrest—has been forcefully suppressed by a highly layered security apparatus. In this episode, our hosts Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale are joined by Lewis Smart, Principal Analyst from Country Intelligence's MENA team, cut through conflicting narratives to explain why the regime remains intact for now, how elite cohesion and information control has shaped events, and which indicators matter for future instability. They also examine external pressures, including sanctions and U.S. force po
Join hosts Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale as they wrap up another great year for The World of Intelligence podcast. In this special episode, they look back on 19 thought-provoking discussions that explored global security trends, hard-to-reach intelligence targets, and the evolving role of open-source intelligence in modern analysis. From North Korea’s opaque dynamics to NATO’s defence pledges, predictive intelligence models, and the rise of hybrid warfare, Sean and Cristina share their personal highlights and lessons learned. They also reveal what’s next for 2026, expect timely “shorts”,
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, we delve into the critical importance of foundational intelligence in defense analysis. Hosted by Kate Cox, our panel of experts, including Sean Corbett, Dylan Lurkey, and Tom Barton from Janes, explores how foundational intelligence serves as the essential building blocks for effective military analysis. We discuss its role in understanding current intelligence, the intricacies of data verification, and the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on decision-making. Join us as we uncover why foundational intelligence remains indispensable
In the second part of our enlightening discussion on The World of Intelligence, host Harry Kemsley delves deeper into the intricate relationship between data tribalism and effective decision-making within military and intelligence frameworks. Joined by experts, we explore how human tribal instincts can hinder the integration of critical data across various sectors, ultimately impacting operational efficiency. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of building trust and collaboration among different units to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence and data analytics. As we navi
In this first part of our episode titled "Knowledge to Understanding and How to Get There," I, Harry Kemsley, delve into the critical transition from data overload to clear, decisive action in military contexts. Joined by my co-host Sean Corbett and esteemed guest Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mike Growen, we explore the challenges of navigating an information-rich environment. We discuss the necessity of elevating human cognition above mere data collection, emphasizing the role of technology and AI as facilitators of understanding rather than replacements for human judgment. As we unpack the comp
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I join esteemed co-host Sean Corbett and expert guests Dr. Greg Brown and Claire Chu to explore China's expanding influence in the Pacific. We discuss the strategic significance of the region, examining China's diplomatic, economic, and military activities. The conversation delves into the implications of China's actions for international security, the complexities of local responses, and the role of open-source intelligence in analyzing these dynamics. We highlight the shifting geopolitical landscape, the importance of understanding local interest
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I delve into the complex dynamics of US-Mexico border security, focusing on the escalating threat posed by serious and organized crime. Joined by analysts Matt Henman and Estefania Dominguez, we explore the internal security challenges Mexico faces and the implications for U.S. national security. We discuss the evolving tactics of organized crime groups, including their increasing use of technology such as drones, and how these developments impact border security strategies. Our conversation highlights the vital role of open-source intelligence in
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I, Harry Kemsley, alongside my co-host Sean Corbett, delve into NATO's recent funding commitments, particularly the ambitious target of 5% of GDP for defense spending. We explore the implications of this target, dissecting the implications of NATO's summit declaration and how nations plan to achieve these goals amidst varying political landscapes. Our discussion features insights from Janes experts Andrew MacDonald and Guy Anderson as they analyze the real, behind-the-scenes impact of budgetary commitments, the potential for "creative accounting,"
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I delve into the complex and often overlooked Myanmar crisis. Joined by strategic analyst Tony Davis, we explore the ramifications of the military coup that erupted in 2021, the significant humanitarian impact, and the role of regional powers such as China. As we unpack the geostrategic significance of Myanmar, we discuss how the ongoing conflict could catalyze regional instability and transnational organized crime. With over 3 million people displaced and the potential for further state collapse, this conversation sheds light on why Myanmar warran
In this engaging episode of The World of Intelligence, host Harry Kemsley dives into the second part of our exploration of AI's role in automated OSINT reconnaissance. Building on insights from the first episode, we discuss the practical applications of AI within the intelligence cycle, addressing both its potential and the inherent risks of over-reliance on technology. Listeners will hear experts examine the importance of human oversight in AI-driven analysis and the critical nature of effective prompt engineering. As we navigate the complexities of integrating AI into intelligence practices,
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, host Harry Kemsley delves into the practical applications of artificial intelligence in open-source intelligence (OSINT) reconnaissance. Joined by co-host Sean Corbett and expert guest Jim Clover, the discussion navigates the effective utilization of AI technology in the intelligence community. They explore how to harness AI for data summarization and analysis, emphasizing the importance of prompt engineering to enhance output accuracy. The conversation acknowledges the limitations of AI while highlighting its potential to democratize access to inf
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, we delve into Yemen's critical role in global security. Co-hosted by Kate Cox and featuring expert analysts James Trigg and Aparna Aiyar, we explore the recent developments surrounding Yemen, including the implications of the US-Ansar Allah ceasefire deal and the ongoing conflict's impact on regional dynamics. We examine Yemen's significance as a strategic player, its influence on global shipping routes, and the complexities of its geopolitical relationships, particularly with Iran and Israel. Our discussion highlights the evolving threat posed by
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I have the pleasure of hosting a captivating discussion with Janes' own Harry Kemsley and Sean Corbett. We take a reflective journey through the evolution of the podcast, exploring its origins, the rise of open source intelligence (OSINT), and the growing significance of technology in the field. Harry and Sean share their insights on how OSINT has transformed from an afterthought to a vital resource for intelligence professionals. We delve into the ethical considerations of intelligence analysis and the pressing challenges posed by misinformation.
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I am joined by co-host Sean Corbett and journalist Akhil Dadidel to examine the implications of China's escalating military activities around Taiwan. We delve into a recent report highlighting a staggering 50% increase in Chinese incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone, particularly following Taiwan's new presidential administration. Akhil shares insights into the complexities of these operations, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and in-flight refueling, which signal a shift in China's military strategy. We discuss the
In this episode of The World of Intelligence, host Harry Kemsley and co-host Sean Corbett delve into the critical role of cultural understanding in open-source intelligence (OSINT). Joined by expert Sadakin Hamran, they explore how culture shapes perceptions and behaviors on both individual and state levels. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing subcultures and the nuances that exist within them, particularly in conflict situations, where misinterpretations can lead to severe consequences. Sadakin emphasizes the need for intelligence professionals to grasp the intangible aspe
In this second part of our deep dive into the complexities surrounding North Korea, I continue to explore the intricate relationship between North Korea and Russia, particularly focusing on recent troop deployments. We dissect the motivations behind North Korea's actions, weighing economic factors against the pressing need for real battlefield experience and military modernization. Our expert panel examines the effectiveness and integration of these troops in the ongoing conflict, while also considering the internal narrative within North Korea regarding their involvement and potential casualt
In this first part of our episode titled "Unravelling the North Korea Enigma," I delve into the complexities surrounding North Korea and its relationship with South Korea, alongside my co-host Shaun Corbett and our expert guests from 38 North. We unpack the recent political turmoil in South Korea, including the declaration of martial law and its implications for inter-Korean relations. Our guests, Jenny Town, Rachel Minyoung Lee, and Martin Williams, provide insightful analysis on how these developments may be perceived in Pyongyang and the broader regional dynamics at play. We explore the mut
