Intel Insights

In this edition of Intel Insights, Leighton discusses the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, providing background information on the situation and analyzing the factors that led to the attack. He explains how Hamas meticulously planned the attack, using various weapons and tactics to target Israeli locations. Leighton also highlights the intelligence failures on the part of Israel, which re...

In this edition of Intel Insights, Leighton discusses the recent plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, along with other top leaders. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but there are suspicions of an on-board explosion or sabotage. This incident highlights the instability in Russia, with recent dismissals of military leaders and challenges to Putin's power....

In this episode of Intel Insights, Leighton discusses the recent coup in Niger and its potential global repercussions. Niger, a resource-rich country in West Africa, is one of the poorest nations in the world. Its significant uranium reserves have attracted the interest of various countries, including China and France. The coup aims to address the country's decline and the perceived exploitation o...

"China hacks Japan's defense networks." -Washington Post   In this episode of Intel Insights, Leighton focuses on the great hack that happened to Japan, the increased aggressiveness from a rising China over the years, and Japan's decision to create a stronger national cyber strategy with cyber command. Hear about the major factors that have contributed to Japan executing a new national security st...

In the previous episode of Intel Insights, Leighton discussed India's Siliguri Corridor and how China's moves in Bhutan could impact India's control of the Siliguri Corridor. Another important corridor (this time found in Europe) is the Suwalki Gap, or the Suwalki Corridor.    The Suwalki Gap connects Russia's enclave of Kaliningrad with Belarus, which is a big ally of Russia. The Suwalki Gap is s...

The country of Bhutan is currently at the center of a major dispute, and has involved the countries of China and India. With the conflict happening between these powerful countries, there is a great possibility that this could boil over into a full-blown war.     In this episode of Intel Insights, Leighton focuses on the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and how all of the countries along the Himalayan...

The war in Ukraine has now been going on for over 500 days. It's hard to believe that this protracted conflict has lasted this long in its current phase. This episode of Intel Insights focuses on the key events that have taken place since Russia's attack in February 2022. Hear about the controversial use of cluster munitions, Ukraine's strong desire to become a NATO member, as well as the signific...

In this episode of Intel Insights, Cedric Leighton discusses the challenges of predicting major events and the importance of understanding the potential for black swan events. He highlights historical examples of events that were not predicted or were ignored by decision-makers, such as the fall of Saigon and the 9/11 attacks. Leighton explains Nassim Nicholas Taleb's concept of black swan events...

In this edition of Intel Insights, Cedric Leighton explores the history of rebellions and revolutions in Russia, highlighting their significance and impact on the country's political landscape. He discusses notable events such as the Pugachev's Rebellion in the 18th century, the Russian Revolution of 1905, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Leighton also delves into the recent mutiny le...

In this edition of Intel Insights, Cedric Leighton discusses the history and evolution of air defenses and air raid sirens, a sound that has become all too familiar in the Ukraine-Russia war.   Cedric takes us on a journey through the history of air defenses, from the first documented case of an aircraft being shot down by a weapon from the ground in 1915 to the development of surface-to-air missi...

Something we are hearing about often in the news right now is F-16s in Ukraine. This episode dives into what F-16s are, the important process of training pilots and people who need to maintain the airframes, other potential aircraft options for Ukraine, and more.    While the F-16 may sound like the ideal fighter plane for Ukraine, there are downsides compared to other airframes that must be consi...

In the next few weeks, President Biden will be nominating a new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This position is very important, however it usually doesn't get the coverage that it should. The CJCS is the top ranking military officer in the United States and is responsible for advising the President and other top officials on military matters.    This episode explores the history and evolut...

One area of our world that is currently seeing a growing interest is Africa. The scramble for Africa actually refers back to the early 20th century when the European powers were trying to colonize the continent. Currently, Africa is the poorest part of the world. However, it is very rich in resources, therefore attracting more attention from certain countries. The countries that are showing the mo...

The world is a complex place. One of the major areas we need to examine and understand is the current conflict between China and Taiwan. We are all dependent on what is happening there - especially when it comes to trade and economic viability. While China has seen massive economic progress and growth over the last 50+ years, they've still been unable to successfully overtake Taiwan. This episode...

One of the biggest issues we're currently facing in the national security space is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It can be easy to get lost in all of the details surrounding what's happening with this war. One of the greatest factors that comes into play here though is time; each side taking advantage of time, and how they can use it to achieve their particular goals. Listen now to lear...

Welcome to Intel Insights. This is a podcast presented by CNN Military Analyst and 26-year US Air Force Intelligence veteran, Col (Ret) Cedric Leighton.   Tune in each Thursday to learn more about critical national security issues; what is happening and why.   Topics will cover everything from the war in Ukraine to the conflict between China and Taiwan, the scramble for Africa, and the effort to c...