The World of Intelligence

Latest Episodes:

The New Battleground: Grey Zone and Hybrid Warfare Explained Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

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. From sabotage and cyber operations to disinformation, espionage and the weaponisation of migration, the discussion examines how these tactics have evolved in scale, scope and intent—particularly since 2022. The panel considers what this means for governments, industry and society at large, including the role of public awareness, resilience and open source intelligence in identifying and mitigating grey zone activity. They also discuss why confronting conflict below the threshold is one of the defining security challenges of our time.

Arctic Realities: The High North’s Strategic Balance and Why it Matters Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

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.

Blurred Frontlines: Why Overlooked African Conflicts Matter to Global Security Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

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 tensions, shifting alliances, competing armed groups, and the influence of international actors. They assess critical indicators such as military movements, political transitions, armed group capabilities, and the reliability of available information, illustrating how Janes experts anticipate future trajectories in environments where data is fragmented and misinformation is widespread.

Operational lessons from Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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 assess the damage, and the ripple effects across Russia’s long range aviation and nuclear deterrent posture.

Iran’s Unrest, Decoded: Protests, Power, and the Nuclear Trajectory Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

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 posture, and assess how Iran’s nuclear ambitions intersect with domestic unrest to shape the country’s next moves.

Round up of 2025 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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”, new studio recordings, and deep dives into China, Russia, Iran, forgotten conflicts, and cutting-edge technologies such as Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Whether you are an analyst, policymaker, or simply curious about how intelligence shapes global affairs, this episode offers a candid, insightful, and forward-looking conversation on tradecraft, technology, and the challenges ahead. 🎧 Listen now and discover why OSINT remains one of the most powerful tools in understanding today’s complex security landscape.

Fundamentals first: The case for foundational intelligence today Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

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 an era of rapidly changing security dynamics and how it can enhance operational effectiveness for defense professionals.

Knowledge to understanding and how to get there - part two Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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 navigate through the complexities of tradecraft and the evolving landscape of defense intelligence, listeners will gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies. Join us as we unpack the essential steps toward transforming knowledge into actionable understanding in the defense community.

Knowledge to understanding and how to get there - part one Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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 complexities of decision-making and the cultural barriers within military structures, we lay the groundwork for how to harness these advancements for strategic advantage. Join us for this engaging discussion that sets the stage for our upcoming second part.

China's growing influence in the Pacific Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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 interests, and the ongoing competition between great powers in this vital area. Tune in for an insightful analysis of the evolving power dynamics in the Pacific.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected