Grey Dynamics

It is Intelligence Tradecraft Week here at Grey Dynamics, so for this week's episode we thought we'd round up the tools and tricks used by practitioners we've had on the podcast, in the real world. They cover social media tools, advanced search techniques, monitoring services, AI and more. Be sure to check out their full episodes, linked below.Practitioners We Spoke ToBenjamin Strick (0:39)Jordan Ponath (4:21)Gareth Westwood (10:17)Paul Scharre (15:09)Skip Schiporst (18:19)Intelligence Tradecraft Week:A Guide to Human Intelligence (HUMINT)Is Human Intelligence Still Possible in the Digital Age?A Guide to Covert SurveillanceA Guide to Criminal IntelligenceA Guide to Front Organisations' Role in Intelligence OperationsA Guide to Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT)A Guide to Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)The Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcast Google PodcastAmazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I spoke to Alec Bertina, a non-traditional security actor researcher, specialising on Russia security affairs. In this episode, we discussed the wild and confusing network of Russian private military contractors, the people behind them and their mission. From ex-special forces to far right to oil and gas companies, there are many actors at play here. Alec does a fantastic job of breaking down the key groups and their motivations.You can find Alec on:TwitterLinkedInSubstackWe spoke aboutAlec’s background (1:15)Wagner PMC’s background and role in Ukraine (3:51)Wagner’s intelligence operation (7:33)Who is Prigozhin? (10:34)Power struggles in the Russian military establishment (12:35)Rusich Group (16:05)Patriot PMC and its purpose (19:04)Patriot’s high salaries and potential use of ex-KSSO operators (24:05)Redut (27:24)Gazprom’s PMCs (31:59)How Russian PMCs dispose of their staff (36:15)The use of PMC in case of Russian collapse (40:03)Advise to those that want to study this topic (41:38)Is there any legitimacy to these PMCs? (46:16)Russia reading recommendations (49:46)Cultural recommendations (51:49)Related Links:Wagner PMC Activity in the Central African Republic: A Geospatial AnalysisSahel Security 2023: Russia ForecastInsecurity in the Central African Republic: A 6-Month OutlookSahel Security Week, French Exodus & Wagner COIN Efforts with MenastreamWagner PMC, Spy Balloons & Spearfishing with Marcel PlichtaThe Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcast Google PodcastAmazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Marcel Plichta, a PhD candidate and ex-DIA analyst, discusses Finland's potential membership in NATO, the state of UGVs, the competition in Africa, and the application of ChatGPT in intelligence analysis. They also touch on Wagner's presence in CAR, the West's influence in Africa, and Iranian drones in the Middle East.

Today I spoke with Jonah Leff, the director of operations at Conflict Armament Research (CAR). He has extensive experience investigating sanctions violations and advising policymakers on issues related to armed violence and conflict. We discussed the role of OSINT in his work, 3D printed guns, drones in Ukraine and much more.You can find Jonah on:Conflict Armament Research LinkedIn TwitterWe spoke aboutJonah’s background (1:11) Why did it take governments so long to take an interest in arms tracking? (11:54) What role does open source play in CAR's process? (15:39) The tools they use (18:42) 3D printed guns (21:43) Nonpermissive countries and countries Jonah would like access to (24:41) The use of drones in Ukraine (28:00) What keeps Jonah up at night (32:33) Dealing with PTSD / Trauma (38:38) Advice for people that want to get into this line of work (42:38) What Jonah does in his free time (46:09) What countries Ahmed would like to work in (48:38)Related Links: Drone Threat Intelligence, 3D Printing and Dark Networks with Mike Monnik GEOINT, OSINT & Facing Vicarious Trauma with Benjamin Strick Tsunami Torpedoes, Ukrainian USVs & Narco Subs with HI Sutton Drones, Robotics, AI and Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine with Samuel Bendett Illicit Nuclear Technology Procurement and Dark Networks with Jack MargolinThe Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTube Spotify Apple Podcast Google Podcast Amazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I spoke with Mike Monnik, CEO of DroneSec. They focus on drone threat intelligence, documenting the latest developments in the use of drones by malicious actors. We discussed the use of drones in bank robberies, drone innovation in Myanmar, China’s role in the supply chain and much more.You can find Mike on:DroneSecLinkedInWe spoke aboutWhy Mike started DroneSec (0:34)The most recent developments in drone threat intelligence (7:49)Drone bank robberies (15:59)Man in the middle attacks using drones (18:05)Tactical drone innovation in Myanmar (31:13)How much of the innovation is crowd-sourced and how much is indigenous to drone-involved conflicts (37:26)What is the next step in drone warfighting innovation (44:49)China’s role in the supply chain (54:47)How AI will affect drones (58:43)What keeps Mike awake at night (1:01:15)Will actors of the future revolve their future operations around drone capabilities? (1:04:23)Advice for those that want to get into this line of work, make a career switch, and businesses (1:11:22)Cultural recommendations (1:15:28)Final thoughts (1:18:34)Related Links:Drones, Robotics, AI and Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine with Samuel BendettAI Arms Race, Drone Warfare and Cognitive Enhancement with Paul ScharreChatGPT, The Intelligence Community & Career Advice with Mike EvansTsunami Torpedoes, Ukrainian USVs & Narco Subs with HI SuttonThe War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative BattlesThe Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcast Google PodcastAmazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I spoke with Paul Scharre, the vice president and director of studies at the Center for New American Security (CNAS). Previously he has worked for the Office of the Secretary of Defense as well as being a team leader in the US Army's 75th Ranger Regiment. Scharre's latest book "Four Battlegrounds: Power in the age of artificial intelligence" discusses some of the bleeding edge issues facing US national security. We discussed the use of drones in Ukraine, limiting China's access to cutting-edge chips, data advantages and much more.You can find Paul on:Website CNAS Twitter LinkedInWe spoke aboutWhy AI? (2:18) How being a ranger affects Paul’s view on technology (4:02) What Paul’s work at CNAS is like and their focus (7:19) The impact of the restrictions imposed on China’s ability create to chips (8:55) How chips affect the potential conflict over Taiwan (13:06) How physical and cognitive advancements can allow soldiers to meet new challenges on the battlefield (17:11) The use of drones in Ukraine (25:23) Does China have a data advantage? (34:33) Career Advice (42:07) What will be important in the job market of tomorrow (44:20) Cultural recommendations (48:21) Resources to learn about AI (49:15)Related Links: Epoch Anthropic Import AIThe Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTube Spotify Apple Podcast Google Podcast Amazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I spoke with Jordan Ponath, senior intelligence analyst at Lockheed Martin, ex-US Marine, and self-described 'data geek'. Jordan leads a team constantly on the lookout for threats to his organization using OSINT and SOCMINT techniques. In this episode, we get into the tools he and his team use as well as unconventional routes into the sector. You can find Jordan on:LinkedInWe spoke aboutJordan’s background (1:34)Having an unconventional background in intelligence (6:30)The changes to TweetDeck (8:19)How travelling affected Jordan (11:18)What a day in Jordan’s team looks like and the tools they use (14:40)What is the most fulfilling part of Jordan’s job? (24:13)The importance of clear direction from leadership and understanding of OSINT’s limits (27:00)What keeps Jordan up at night (31:48)Advice to young aspiring analysts, those looking to switch careers, and organizations looking to build intelligence capability (33:50)What Ahmed would have done differently as well as the importance of cyber and data in today's intelligence landscape (42:39)Cultural recommendations (50:35)Related Links:So, You Want to be an Intelligence Analyst?Expert Advice For Getting Into IntelligenceCorporate Intelligence, Global Risk & OSINT Tips with Gareth WestwoodGEOINT, OSINT & Facing Vicarious Trauma with Benjamin StrickOSINT, Military Career Transition & Language Skills with Skip SchiphorstChatGPT, The Intelligence Community & Career Advice with Mike EvansThe Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcast Google PodcastAmazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlos, a security expert, shares insights on conflicts and the importance of reading into both sides, content creation for social media, motivations, and working around these topics. The podcast delves into his background, creating The Rage X, his process, favorite sources, and the necessity of authentic news analysis.

Today we spoke with Héni Nsaibia, the man behind Menastream. Héni is among the most knowledgeable people online regarding the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. He is also a senior researcher at ACLED. We discussed his background, the situation in the region, and the key external actors.You can find Héni Nsaibia on:MenastreamACLEDWe spoke aboutHéni's background (0:53)Growing Menastream (11:11)Overview of the current situation in the Sahel (13:41)Malian government's newfound lethality with Russian support (22:36)The trajectory of Burkina Faso (26:24)Wagner's business model in Africa (29:19)The trajectory of Niger (31:13)The situation in Chad (36:55)How Mauritania has remained unscathed (41:51)The UN Missions in Mali and Niger (46:44)The US contribution to the region (49:06)12 months outlook (52:51)Cultural recommendations (1:03:52)Related Links:Mali 2023 ForecastBurkina Faso 2023 ForecastRussia Sahel 2023 ForecastNiger 2023 ForecastChad 2023 ForecastMauritania 2023 ForecastFrance Sahel 2023 ForecastEuropean Union Sahel 2023 Forecast The Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcast Google PodcastAmazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I spoke with Mike Evans, head of intelligence at Securitas. Mike has been working in the private intelligence sector for nearly a decade, now leading an award-winning threat and intelligence service. He also has an intelligence background within the military. In this episode, we dive into topics such as the rise of AI, getting into the industry for young analysts, and what keeps us up at night.You can find Mike Evans on:LinkedInTwitterWe spoke aboutMike's background (00:54)Mike's team set up and capabilities (03:28)Sharing information for the greater good in the private sector (07:21)How military intelligence shaped Mike's thinking (10:23)How an intelligence manager can make an impact (14:10)How to deal with things when they go wrong (19:33)ChatGPT and its role in intelligence (21:33)Creating a reliable and motivated sensor network (24:50)Incoming trends to look out for (29:24)Opening the door to more people for a career in intelligence (30:44)Intelligence misconceptions (33:49)Career advice (40:24)What does Mike look for in young analysts (46:08)Cultural recommendations (47:21)What keeps Ahmed up at night (52:19)Related Links:What is an Intelligence Analyst?So, You Want to be an Intelligence Analyst?Expert Advice For Getting Into IntelligenceIntelligence-Led Policing, OSINT and Facing PTSD with Julie NelCorporate Intelligence, Global Risk and OSINT Tips with Gareth WestwoodSkills I never knew I would need as an Intelligence AnalystThe Grey Dynamics Podcast is available on all major platforms!YouTubeSpotifyApple Podcast Google PodcastAmazon PodcastSubscribe to Grey Dynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.