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Economist Podcasts

The Intelligence: Redoubled agents

Feb 29, 2024
Shoshan Choshi, The Economist's defense editor, delves into the resilience of Russian intelligence and a daring CIA initiative to recruit double agents amidst heightened tensions. Duncan Weldon discusses the moral quandaries of Saudi investment in Newcastle United and its impact on local sports culture. They explore the potential for a commodities super cycle, spurred by the green energy transition, while examining how evolving market demands are reshaping commodity dynamics. Intriguing insights blend geopolitics with the world of sports.
23:29

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Quick takeaways

  • Russian intelligence agencies are regrouping and enhancing covert operations to counter aggressive CIA recruitment tactics.
  • Commodities super cycle expectations have declined due to market uncertainty and fluctuating consumer preferences.

Deep dives

Implications of CIA Recruitment of Russian Spies

The CIA released an ad aimed at recruiting Russian spies as double agents, which is a bold move to taunt its rival intelligence agencies openly. Although this aggressive recruitment strategy may seem to weaken Russian intelligence agencies, there is evidence that they are regrouping and enhancing their covert operations to counter such recruitment attempts. Despite past setbacks and embarrassments like the failed assassinations and intelligence leaks, Russian agencies are restructuring, improving coordination, and tightening security to avoid further exposure.

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