The World of Intelligence

Latest Episodes:

Financial Intelligence (FININT) with Robert Maxwell Oct 09, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I am joined by financial investigator Robert Maxwell to explore the evolving landscape of Financial Intelligence (FININT). We delve into the intersection of finance and open source intelligence, discussing how Robert transitioned from a successful career as a fund manager to becoming an expert in OSINT techniques, particularly in combating financial crime. He shares insights on the importance of identifying amber flags in financial investigations and the need for banks to adopt proactive measures against risks. As we examine the challenges posed by cryptocurrencies and the complexities of regulatory compliance, Robert emphasizes the critical role of intelligence in mitigating financial threats. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the necessity for enhanced intelligence capabilities in the financial sector.

Researching Saudi Arabia with David Rundell Oct 02, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I engage with David Rundell, a former US diplomat with extensive experience in Saudi Arabia. We delve into the complexities of researching Saudi Arabia, a nation often perceived as opaque. David shares insights from his three decades in diplomacy, detailing how information access has evolved, particularly in light of the significant social and economic transformations under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We discuss the ambitious Vision 2030 plan, the ongoing changes in gender equality, and the implications of the war in Yemen on the nation's stability. David emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricate dynamics within Saudi Arabia, including the role of the royal family and stakeholder interests, while offering a unique model for analyzing the kingdom's future trajectory.

Analysing the Beirut port explosion with Nick Waters of Bellingcat Sep 28, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I sit down with Nick Waters from Bellingcat to dissect the Beirut port explosion, a catastrophic event that garnered global attention. Nick shares his journey from military officer to open-source intelligence analyst and explains how his background aids in geolocation and analysis of explosive events. We delve into the chaos following the explosion, as Nick recounts his methodical approach to gathering and verifying information amidst a flurry of misinformation, including debunking false narratives of airstrikes. With insights into the importance of collaboration and transparency in investigative journalism, Nick illustrates how Bellingcat navigates the complexities of open-source intelligence while maintaining a commitment to factual accuracy. Join us for a compelling discussion on the intersection of technology, journalism, and accountability.

Alison Killing and her investigation that identified camps in China where Uighur Muslims are being interned Sep 23, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I engage with Alison Killing, an architect and investigative researcher, who recently uncovered the extensive network of Uighur internment camps in China's Xinjiang province. Alison shares her journey from architecture to digital storytelling, emphasizing the crucial role of satellite imagery in her investigation. We explore how she and her colleague, Megha Rajagopalan, utilized innovative mapping techniques to identify over 270 camps, revealing the stark reality of forced cultural assimilation and repression faced by the Uighur population. This discussion highlights the power of open-source intelligence in shedding light on human rights abuses and the importance of sharing individual stories to foster understanding. Join us as we delve into this vital topic and its implications for global security and human rights.

OSINT, disinformation, and ethics with Evanna Hu Sep 17, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I engage with Evanna Hu, CEO of Omelas, to explore the intricate landscape of open-source intelligence (OSINT), disinformation, and the pressing ethical challenges that arise in our digital age. We delve into the evolution of information warfare, examining the transition from non-state to state actors and the complexities of tracking their messaging strategies. Evanna shares insights on the critical role of human oversight in algorithm-driven analysis and discusses the implications of AI on OSINT practices. As we unpack the challenges posed by disinformation campaigns and the need for robust ethical standards, we also consider the broader societal impacts and the importance of education in fostering critical thinking. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the intersection of technology, ethics, and national security.

What's new in the OSINT world? Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I am joined by my colleagues Terry Patter, Kyle McGrorty, and Colm Phillips as we dive into the latest developments in the Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) landscape. We discuss Colm's role in managing the OSINT Tearlines newsletter, which offers valuable insights to our 10,000 subscribers. We explore the evolving challenges of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in light of social media platforms' shifting policies. Additionally, we examine the impact of recent training trends in OSINT, highlighting the importance of verification and the complexities analysts face in navigating vast information landscapes. Join us for an in-depth conversation on the state of OSINT and how professionals can adapt to the rapidly changing environment.

Detecting disinformation with John Gray Jul 29, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I sit down with John Gray, a leading expert in misinformation, disinformation, and influence operations. We delve into his extensive experience tracking hostile state actors' activities, especially in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which sparked his deep dive into the world of disinformation. John shares insights about his tool, Mention Mapp, which aids OSINT investigations by mapping Twitter conversations and identifying influential profiles. We discuss the evolving landscape of disinformation tactics, the role of social media algorithms, and the importance of understanding adversaries in this complex information ecosystem. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the critical challenges of detecting and countering disinformation today.

How disinformation is affecting national security and intelligence with Cindy Otis Jul 24, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I engage with Cindy Otis, vice president at the Alethea Group and an expert on disinformation. We delve into how disinformation is increasingly threatening national security and intelligence operations globally. Cindy shares insights from her extensive career, including her time at the CIA, and discusses her upcoming book, True or False, which aims to equip individuals with the tools needed to combat misinformation. We explore the complex landscape of disinformation, including its political and commercial dimensions, and the urgent need for better information literacy among the public. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the impact of disinformation and how we can safeguard our information environments.

The impact of misinformation and disinformation, with Samantha North Jul 16, 2020

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In this episode of The World of Intelligence, join me, Terry Pattar, as I engage with disinformation expert Samantha North. We delve into the critical impact of misinformation and disinformation on society, exploring her extensive research on online tribalism, particularly in the context of Brexit. Samantha shares her experiences with the Global Disinformation Index and discusses the evolving nature of disinformation campaigns, especially during significant political events like elections. We examine the differences between misinformation and disinformation, the role of social media, and the challenges of attributing malicious online activity to specific actors. As we navigate this complex landscape, Samantha offers insights into how individuals can better identify and mitigate the influence of disinformation in their digital interactions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that underscores the importance of vigilance in today's information age.

The changing information environment, with Judy King Jun 26, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of The World of Intelligence, I engage with Judy King, the editorial director at BBC Monitoring, to explore the evolving landscape of open-source intelligence and the challenges posed by the changing information environment. Judy shares her extensive experience at BBC Monitoring, highlighting how media platforms have shifted dramatically over the past two decades. We delve into the complexities of monitoring diverse sources, including social media and state-run outlets, and discuss the critical role of technology in enhancing journalistic capabilities. Additionally, we examine the growing issue of disinformation and the necessity for nuanced understanding in interpreting media narratives. Tune in for insights on the future of open-source information and the importance of context in today's fast-paced news cycle.

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