One Decision

Sabrina Singh, former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, joins Sir Richard Dearlove to dissect the tumultuous year of Trump's second term. They discuss how Trump's policies have sparked global instability and a retreat into isolationism, with a particularly alarming relationship with Putin affecting Ukraine. Sabrina highlights shifts in US foreign aid, tensions in the Middle East, and the implications of tariffs. They also explore the growing significance of AI in geopolitics, the challenges posed by China, and the unexpected protests in Iran, painting a complex picture of current global dynamics.

Dr. Anthony Vinci, former Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution, discusses how AI is reshaping espionage. He highlights the dangers of disinformation fueled by AI, especially from platforms like TikTok. Vinci emphasizes that intelligence now targets everyday citizens and calls for democracies to educate their populations on spotting espionage tactics. He also raises concerns about the implications of quantum computing on secrets and the need for intelligence to adapt to technological changes.

Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, shares his insights on the shifting U.S. foreign policy with guest host Rosanna Lockwood. They delve into Greenland's strategic importance, discussing its geographical significance amid rising tensions with Russia and China. Dearlove also contextualizes President Trump's controversial remarks about the island. As the conversation shifts to Iran, he analyzes the internal protests and regime vulnerabilities, predicting that the future hinges on the loyalty of security forces amidst economic unrest.

Philip Gordon, a former U.S. National Security Advisor, shares his insights on the Trump administration's military involvement in Venezuela and its implications for global politics. He discusses the lack of a credible Plan B following aggressive U.S. moves and critiques Europe's weak responses, highlighting a shift from a rules-based order to a spheres of influence approach. Gordon warns about America's growing public fatigue with global leadership and suggests Europe must strengthen its defense and unity to effectively engage in international matters.

Join former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace as he dives into the dramatic U.S. military raid in Venezuela that arrested President Nicolás Maduro. He analyzes the operation's flawless execution and the potential for Trump to replicate such tactics elsewhere. The conversation touches on geopolitical tensions with Cuba and Colombia, and why Greenland is becoming a flashpoint between the U.S. and Europe. Wallace critiques Europe's weak responses, urging a stronger position amidst rising challenges from Russia.

Join retired U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, a strategic expert on military operations, and former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, who offers insights on counterintelligence and law enforcement. They dive into pressing global threats from Russia and China, and the dangers of AI-driven disinformation like deepfakes. The conversation also touches on China's quantum computing advancements, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and potential geopolitical shifts in 2026, such as the fate of Venezuela and the future of Ukraine.

On this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, examine the security risks posed by major Chinese companies like Alibaba. The hosts discuss a recent White House memo alleging that Alibaba provided tech support for Chinese military operations against countries, including the US. They explore what China’s national security laws mean for data access and the dangers posed by its infrastructure control. They also discuss the UK’s experience with Huawei and Europe's concern about commercial dependencies on China. The episode sheds light on the case of imprisoned Hong Kong Democracy activist and British national Jimmy Lai, raising questions about how the West should further engage with Beijing. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sabrina Singh, a former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, and Jim Sciutto, CNN’s Chief National Security Analyst, provide insights on the turbulent landscape of foreign policy in 2025. They discuss the impact of AI on global stability and the shifting U.S. stance under Trump, which has altered allied trust. The panel dives into Israel's military successes, U.S. strikes on Iran, and pressing issues surrounding Ukraine and Russia, suggesting shifts could embolden adversaries. They also navigate bizarre moments of the year, highlighting the role of satire in political discourse.

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, dive into a very controversial and perplexing mystery, Havana Syndrome. The hosts break down a range of surveillance devices possibly used in Havana, Cuba, against U.S diplomats and embassy staffers, and explore whether foreign rivals like Russia, China, or Cuba could be responsible. Sir Richard speaks on his intelligence experience, providing real-world examples of Cold War espionage, including Soviet listening devices hidden in embassy walls, and how the accidental use of a laser beam allowed for the interception of private conversations. They examine how advanced eavesdropping tools and listening devices might unintentionally harm U.S. officials and whether the government has done enough to investigate cases or support those affected with long-term trauma.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, John Zinn, former Director for China at the National Security Council, shares his insights on China's evolving global stance. He discusses the country's shift from defensive to assertive strategies, examining Xi Jinping's tech-focused economic plans and the unexpected consequences of U.S. tariffs. The conversation delves into whether China's bold actions signal real strength or hidden weaknesses, along with the implications for Taiwan. Zinn also highlights Europe's growing dependence on China and the potential risks this poses for Western nations.