One Decision

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.

Delve into the recent US talks with Ukraine's Zelensky, where NATO membership is off the table and new security guarantees are under scrutiny. Discover the significant hurdle over the Donbass territory and the implications of Western military aid falling short. Explore Ukraine's tactical softening of rhetoric to gain support and the trust deficits stemming from past guarantees. The hosts also discuss the influence of Donald Trump on US policy and the unexpected shifts in Switzerland's security stance.

Mike Sfraga, the first U.S. Ambassador for Arctic Affairs and current interim chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, sheds light on the Arctic's rapid changes. He discusses seven forces reshaping the region, focusing on climate change, shipping routes, and military tensions. The significance of Finland and Sweden joining NATO is explored, as well as Russia's extensive militarization efforts. Sfraga emphasizes the need for U.S. infrastructure investments to counterbalance emerging threats from Russia and China, while highlighting the profound impacts of warming on local communities and global weather.

Discover the astonishing transformation of Ahmed al-Shura, once a militant, into Syria's new president following Assad's downfall. Delve into the intriguing international intelligence moves that helped shape his rise, including the UK's secretive involvement and Turkey's support. Explore al-Shura's efforts to navigate Syria's complex ethnic landscape and the challenges of uniting diverse groups. The discussion also touches on the implications of regional shifts in power and the economic revival sparked by returning Syrians. Can al-Shura maintain stability in a fractured nation?

Phil Gunson, a Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group and Venezuela expert based in Caracas, reveals vital insights into Maduro's enduring regime. He discusses the crucial role of Cuban intelligence in maintaining military loyalty and the regime's financial support through gold mining and sanctions evasion. Gunson highlights the challenges of destabilizing Maduro’s dictatorship, the risks of power struggles, and the realities of daily life in Venezuela, including food shortages and blackouts. His firsthand perspective sheds light on the complexities of Venezuelan politics.

In a riveting discussion, the hosts examine Trump's renewed peace initiative in Russia and the expectations for his envoy's Moscow trip. They question whether a ceasefire could strategically harm Ukraine. The intricacies of frozen Russian assets and their potential to fund Ukraine's defense and reconstruction efforts are highlighted. The possibility of Germany stepping into a leadership role within NATO is explored, alongside strategies for enhancing NATO's defensive capabilities.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, delves into Trump's controversial 28-point peace deal for Ukraine, calling it a potential capitulation to Putin. He discusses how the proposal undermines NATO allies and the dangers of limiting Ukraine's sovereignty. McFaul also reflects on Putin's shift from pragmatism to paranoia, sharing insights from their early interactions. Additionally, he examines the evolving China-Russia alliance and suggests a Ukrainian victory could ignite political change within Russia.