The World of Intelligence

Join Sean Corbett, Chair of the National Security Advisory Board, Phil Smith, CTO at Jane's, and Leendert Van Bochoven, CCO at Jane's, for an engaging discussion on open-source intelligence (OSINT). They dive into the evolution of OSINT and its crucial role in today’s global security landscape. The guests explore the challenges of data overload, the transformative power of AI in processing information, and the indispensable role of human analysts amidst automation. The conversation highlights the urgency of integrating OSINT for faster, more reliable decision-making.

Join Sean Corbett, Chair of Jane's Strategic Advisory Board with a wealth of military planning experience, Dylan Lehrke, Director of Military Intelligence focusing on the intelligence cycle, and Tom Barton, defence journalist leading on-the-ground reporting. They dive into the essence of foundational intelligence, discussing how orders of battle and long-term data shape analysis. Explore the fusion of journalism with intelligence data, the challenges of OSINT, and how AI might alter traditional methods—all critical for reliable decision-making in defense.

In this enlightening discussion, Lt Gen (retd) Mike Groen, a seasoned military leader with extensive experience in operations and intelligence, dives into the complexities of data tribalism and its impact on decision-making. He highlights the essential role of trust and relationship-building in overcoming data silos. The conversation explores the collaboration between AI and human analysts, emphasizing the need to involve operators in AI design. Groen also urges listeners to embrace new tools to stay relevant as AI transforms military and intelligence operations.

Lieutenant General Mike Groen (retd) shares his insight on AI and decision-making in military operations. He emphasizes elevating human judgment above raw data, enabling clearer understanding. Groen discusses how machines enhance commanders' situational awareness, allowing human minds to focus on strategic application. He addresses trust and cultural resistance to AI, emphasizing the need for verification in its deployment. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of careful implementation and maintaining a balance between technology and human oversight.

China’s expanding influence in the Pacific has strategic implications for international security. In this episode Kate Cox and Sean Corbett are joined by experts Dr Greg Brown, senior fellow and director of Regional Cooperation and Coordination at Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) USA and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, and Claire Chu, principal analyst at Janes, to explore the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in understanding these power plays. They also consider the nuanced responses of Pacific nations and global powers to provide a deeper understanding of why China is so invested in the region.

Dr. Philip Ritcheson, Vice President for Strategy and Growth at Leidos, discusses the evolution of modern warfare and the vital role of open-source intelligence. He delves into how technological advancements shape military strategies and the ethical dilemmas faced by democratic nations versus autocratic regimes. The conversation highlights trust disparities in AI between the U.S. and China, and the cultural shifts needed in the intelligence community to adapt to these changes. Ritcheson emphasizes innovative deterrence strategies amid evolving global threats.

Security challenges at the US-Mexico border are an ongoing threat not only locally but also internationally. In this podcast, Janes analysts Matt Henman and Estefania Dominguez join Sean Corbett and Kate Cox to unravel the intricacies of organised crime's impact on both local economies and international relations, and the advanced use of technology by criminal groups. They discuss how open-source intelligence is leveraged to predict and understand these nontraditional threats, further emphasising the importance of verification in an era of misinformation.

Andrew MacDonald heads the Janes budgets team, while Guy Anderson leads their Defence Markets and Economics team. They dive into NATO's ambitious 5% GDP target for defense spending amidst complex political dynamics. The conversation reveals how open-source intelligence sheds light on member nations' financial commitments and the challenges of meeting these targets. They explore Ukraine's defense implications, the impact of geopolitical shifts, and the need for coherent strategies to enhance military readiness in the face of rising global tensions.

Myanmar is an often overlooked conflict. In this revealing episode of Janes World of Intelligence hosts Sean Corbett and Kate Cox are joined by guest Tony Davis, a senior Asian security analyst and Janes contributor, to provide expert analysis of the geopolitical and humanitarian crises unfolding in Myanmar. They explore the roles of China and other regional powers, the burgeoning issue of transnational organised crime, and the future of this tumultuous region.

In this insightful discussion, Jim Clover OBE from Varadius Ltd teams up with experts Harry Kemsley and Sean Corbett to dissect the dynamic role of AI in the intelligence community. They highlight the delicate balance between utilizing AI's prowess and the essential need for human oversight. Discover the importance of prompt engineering for ethical AI outcomes, the emergence of local language models for privacy, and how AI is democratizing coding skills. They also navigate the opportunities and limitations AI brings to intelligence processes.