The World of Intelligence

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 fr...

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,...

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 c...

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 th...

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,...

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 reachi...

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 intac...

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...

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 in...

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...

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 necessit...

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...

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 group...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 strat...

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 tran...

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. A...

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 e...

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 pane...

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,...

In this podcast Janes analysts F Xavier Casals and Claire Chu share their expertise with Harry Kemsley and Sean Corbett to explore the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. They discuss the analytic tools and insight they use to provide a framework for indicator and warning analysis and why a non-military invasion may be more likely.

In this episode of The World of Intelligence, join me, Harry Kemsley, as I reflect on the significant developments in open source intelligence (OSINT) throughout 2024. We explore key themes such as misinformation, the evolving role of artificial intelligence, and the increasing reliance on OSINT for crisis analysis in regions like Sudan and Ukraine. We'll discuss the importance of data literacy an...