The Cipher Brief
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The Cipher Brief is the only media outlet focused exclusively on bringing you a higher level of confidence around national security events via news, analysis, and interviews with government and private sector leaders.
Maduro’s exit didn’t end Venezuela’s crisis. With the military and oil sector still controlled by regime loyalists, Washington faces tough choices about who to work with, and at what cost. An exclusive perspective by a former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela.
Now Comes the Hard Part in Venezuela After Maduro’s Fall
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — Now comes the hard part in Venezuela. Dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife are gone but the regime is still in power. Most Venezuelans, particularly in the diaspora, are pleased and relieved. Many are also apprehensive.
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January 12, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Maduro’s exit didn’t end Venezuela’s crisis. With the military and oil sector still controlled by regime loyalists, Washington faces tough choices about who to work with, and at what cost. An exclusive perspective by a former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela.
Was Maduro’s seizure a lawful arrest or an act of war? Cipher Brief Expert Geoffrey Corn breaks down why the Noriega analogy fails, what international law really says, and why POW status matters.
Maduro and Noriega: Assessing the Analogies
Asked if there were any restraints on his global powers, [President Trump] answered: “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.”
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January 12, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Was Maduro’s seizure a lawful arrest or an act of war? Cipher Brief Expert Geoffrey Corn breaks down why the Noriega analogy fails, what international law really says, and why POW status matters.
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, January 12, 2026
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, January 12, 2026
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January 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, January 12, 2026
One KGB defector, one British gamble, and a Cold War turning point that Moscow never saw coming.
The Spy Who Came in Because He Wanted a Divorce
BOOK REVIEW: The Defector. The Untold Story of the KGB Agent Who Saved MI5 and Changed the Cold War
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January 9, 2026 at 7:25 PM
One KGB defector, one British gamble, and a Cold War turning point that Moscow never saw coming.
AI that doesn’t just analyze, but acts. What Agentic AI means for defense, investors, and the future of warfighting. https://www.thecipherbrief.com/agentic-ai-human-in-loop?share_id=9117942
January 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM
AI that doesn’t just analyze, but acts. What Agentic AI means for defense, investors, and the future of warfighting. https://www.thecipherbrief.com/agentic-ai-human-in-loop?share_id=9117942
Global Intelligence Report for Friday, January 9, 2026
Global Intelligence Report for Friday, January 9, 2026
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January 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Friday, January 9, 2026
From Tsarist secret police to today’s FSB, surveillance defines Russian power. An expert perspective on “naruzhka,” the all-seeing state, and why foreigners—and Russians—are always being watched. #Russia #espionage #intelligence
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, trailing surveillance: watchers on the street who follow targets, track meetings, and report patterns. The Russians are experts at it, and they have be
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January 8, 2026 at 3:38 PM
From Tsarist secret police to today’s FSB, surveillance defines Russian power. An expert perspective on “naruzhka,” the all-seeing state, and why foreigners—and Russians—are always being watched. #Russia #espionage #intelligence
Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, January 8, 2026
Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, January 8, 2026
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January 8, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Thursday, January 8, 2026
Iranians are back in the streets demanding change, accountability, and a future beyond the Islamic Republic. Iran’s Supreme Leader Should Listen to the People.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Should Listen to the People
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January 7, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Iranians are back in the streets demanding change, accountability, and a future beyond the Islamic Republic. Iran’s Supreme Leader Should Listen to the People.
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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January 7, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, January 7, 2026
“We’re gonna run it,” Trump says of post-Maduro Venezuela. But what does that actually mean? Tom Nagorski examines the risks of U.S. control, oil interests, and why some experts fear a long, difficult nation-building project ahead.
The U.S. Says it Will “Run” Venezuela. What Will That Mean?
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January 6, 2026 at 10:58 PM
“We’re gonna run it,” Trump says of post-Maduro Venezuela. But what does that actually mean? Tom Nagorski examines the risks of U.S. control, oil interests, and why some experts fear a long, difficult nation-building project ahead.
A melting Arctic is becoming the world’s next geopolitical battleground—Polar War explains why. A former CIA Clandestine Service officer offers an exclusive review of the book by Kenneth R. Rosen.
Cold War, Hot Zone: Inside the New Arctic Rivalry
BOOK REVIEW: Polar War: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for Power in a Melting Arctic
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January 6, 2026 at 3:23 PM
A melting Arctic is becoming the world’s next geopolitical battleground—Polar War explains why. A former CIA Clandestine Service officer offers an exclusive review of the book by Kenneth R. Rosen.
What does Venezuela mean for oil, China, Russia, and U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere? Energy and intelligence expert Norm Roule explains the global stakes of the U.S. operation—and what comes next.
Venezuela’s Key Takeaways for the World
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January 6, 2026 at 2:49 PM
What does Venezuela mean for oil, China, Russia, and U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere? Energy and intelligence expert Norm Roule explains the global stakes of the U.S. operation—and what comes next.
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, January 6, 2026
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January 6, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Venezuela was a Surprise. What Could be Next? https://www.thecipherbrief.com/venezuela-was-a-surprise-what-could-be-next?share_id=9111924
January 5, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Venezuela was a Surprise. What Could be Next? https://www.thecipherbrief.com/venezuela-was-a-surprise-what-could-be-next?share_id=9111924
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, January 5, 2026
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, January 5, 2026
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January 5, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Monday, January 5, 2026
Is Venezuela the Next Battleground for Strategic Influence and Control? https://www.thecipherbrief.com/a-trained-eye-sees-strategic-patterns-in-venezuela?share_id=9111578
January 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Is Venezuela the Next Battleground for Strategic Influence and Control? https://www.thecipherbrief.com/a-trained-eye-sees-strategic-patterns-in-venezuela?share_id=9111578
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
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December 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Wednesday, December 24, 2025
After his recent visit to Ukraine, former CIA Executive Glenn Corn warns the war has entered a more dangerous phase — marked by fatigue, political strain, Russian disinformation, and growing doubts about U.S. resolve.
This is Perhaps Ukraine’s Most Dangerous Time
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE — Each of my eight trips to Ukraine since retiring from the CIA in the summer of 2023 has been filled with unique challenges. Each time I’ve witnessed first-hand the sacrifices the Ukrainians are making on a daily basis to fight for their country’s independence. And while each tri
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December 23, 2025 at 2:17 PM
After his recent visit to Ukraine, former CIA Executive Glenn Corn warns the war has entered a more dangerous phase — marked by fatigue, political strain, Russian disinformation, and growing doubts about U.S. resolve.
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 23, 2025
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December 23, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Global Intelligence Report for Tuesday, December 23, 2025
The Pentagon is weighing its biggest command shake-up in decades. But reorganizing combatant commands won’t be enough without deeper intelligence and interagency reform, writes Renee Novakoff, former Deputy Director of Intelligence for Sensitive Activities and Special Programs.
We Need More Than Just a Command Shakeup in the U.S. Military
EXPERT OPINION — Reports came out last week that claim the Chairman of Joint Staff, General Dan Caine, is preparing a new unified command plan (UCP) that will reorganize and consolidate the regional combatant commands. According to press reports, the proposal, which is to go to the Secretary and the
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December 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
The Pentagon is weighing its biggest command shake-up in decades. But reorganizing combatant commands won’t be enough without deeper intelligence and interagency reform, writes Renee Novakoff, former Deputy Director of Intelligence for Sensitive Activities and Special Programs.
2025: 10 Events That Changed the World
2025: 10 Events That Changed the World
SPECIAL REPORT — In a turbulent year, one of the biggest national security stories came in the form of a document.
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December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
2025: 10 Events That Changed the World
President Trump has launched a process to designate Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations. The move targets Hamas-linked funding networks — and could have major regional, diplomatic, and domestic impacts.
What Would Follow a Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation?
The move to label Brotherhood affiliates as terrorist groups could reshape regional alliances, financial networks, and U.S. domestic politics.
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December 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
President Trump has launched a process to designate Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations. The move targets Hamas-linked funding networks — and could have major regional, diplomatic, and domestic impacts.
After Bondi Beach, Nick Fishwick, a former senior member of the British Foreign Office, argues countering anti-semitism must be a national security priority. "Not least, because assuredly if we give up on the security of Jewish people others will be next."
Anti-Semitism is a National Security Issue: It’s Time to Treat it Like One
EXPERT OPINION / PERSPECTIVE -- Less than three months ago, two people were killed in a terrorist attack on Jewish people in a synagogue in Manchester, UK, on the most solemn day of the Jewish religious calendar.
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December 16, 2025 at 8:14 PM
After Bondi Beach, Nick Fishwick, a former senior member of the British Foreign Office, argues countering anti-semitism must be a national security priority. "Not least, because assuredly if we give up on the security of Jewish people others will be next."
The Cipher Brief's Recommended Reads for the Holidays https://www.thecipherbrief.com/the-cipher-brief-s-recommended-reads-for-the-holidays?share_id=9090513
December 14, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The Cipher Brief's Recommended Reads for the Holidays https://www.thecipherbrief.com/the-cipher-brief-s-recommended-reads-for-the-holidays?share_id=9090513