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The conflict in Yemen has entered a new and dangerous phase, with renewed fighting between Ansar Allah (the Houthis) and Saudi-backed government forces. But this is more than a localised conflict. From threats to global shipping routes and energy supplies to shifting regional power dynamics, developments in Yemen have far-reaching implications. In this episode of the World of Intelligence podcast, Sean Corbett, Cristina Varriale are joined by Janes analysts Daniel Burge, and Jack Nicholls to examine the latest developments on the ground, assess Ansar Allah's military capabilities and strategic ambitions, explore the complex relationship with Iran, and discuss what may come next. They also share how intelligence analysts navigate one of the world's most challenging information environments to separate fact from narrative.

As tensions across the Middle East continue to reshape regional security dynamics, what does the conflict involving Iran reveal about China's strategic ambitions? In this episode of the Janes World of Intelligence podcast, host Sean Corbett is joined by Janes analysts Claire Chu and Sasha Chopenko to examine the evolving relationship between China and Iran, and how recent events are influencing Beijing's approach to diplomacy, security, trade, and regional influence. Together, they explore the strategic value of the partnership, China's carefully calibrated response to the conflict, and the challenges of balancing relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf states. The discussion also examines what China may be learning from modern conflicts, from sanctions resilience and energy security to military modernisation, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and the growing importance of long-term strategic endurance. Finally, the speakers assess how Beijing's relationship with Iran could evolve in the years ahead, and what the implications may be for the wider international order.

NATO allies have committed to ambitious defence spending goals, but funding alone does not create military capability. In this episode, Janes analysts Guy Anderson and Andrew MacDonald join Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale to assess what the latest NATO Summit reveals about the alliance's progress towards greater readiness, resilience and deterrence. Together, they examine defence investment trends, industrial capacity, collaborative procurement and the economic realities that could shape future outcomes. The conversation explores where progress is being made, where risks remain, and what industry should watch as governments seek to translate political commitments into meaningful capability.

In this episode of World of Intelligence, Cristina Varriale and Sean Corbett are joined by Major General Dominic Goulet, Deputy Director for Commonwealth Integration at the US Defense Intelligence Agency, and retired Major General John Howard, former Chief of Defence Intelligence for the New Zealand Defence Force. Together, they explore the future of intelligence, the role of AI in analysis, the growing importance of unclassified intelligence, and what intelligence leaders must do to adapt to an era defined by disruption, speed and information abundance.

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 from the Gulf region, the implications for countries reliant on these energy resources, and the complex adjustments markets are making in response. We also discuss the longer-term impacts of these disruptions on energy consumption patterns and the potential for a renewed focus on alternative energy sources. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that sheds light on the intricacies of energy security and its critical significance for global stability.

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, satellite imagery and long term capability assessment, the discussion explores how China has moved from a coastal defence force to a modern fleet with global ambitions. The episode unpacks the drivers behind this transformation — from Taiwan and regional deterrence to economic security and global prestige — and assesses where capability outpaces operational credibility.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.