
CTG's Threat Intelligence Podcast
The Counterterrorism Group's (CTG) Threat Intelligence Podcast opens the door to the realm of geopolitics and international security. Hosted and produced by Arnold Koka and Derrick T. Dortch, this weekly podcast takes you on a journey through the intricate landscape of global threats and intelligence analysis. Tune in regularly to stay informed about the latest developments that shape our world.
Latest episodes

Dec 16, 2021 • 22min
The Growing Influence of Al-Shabaab in Somalia
Somalia is in disarray. Taking advantage of Mogadishu's political gridlock, Al-Qaeda affiliate group Al-Shabaab rages in the countryside looking to replace the old, tired, secular government for their form of Sharia law. Faye, of CTG’s AFRICOM team, joins us to discuss Al-Shabaab’s growing influence.

Dec 9, 2021 • 23min
Yemen’s Houthis and the Proxy War between Iran and Saudi Arabia
In recent weeks CTG produced a special report on the Yemen Civil war, including background on the Houthi movement and the current situation on the ground in Yemen. Though 2021 winds to a close, the war that began in 2014 is still in full swing. JJ Singh from CTG’s CENTCOM team joins us to discuss the situation.

Nov 29, 2021 • 30min
Round Table on Africa: China's Growing Influence and the New Biden Foreign Strategy
In the premiere Round Table episode for the Threat Intelligence podcast Aimee Hanstein and Becca Stewart join Adam to discuss trending stories around Africa and how China’s expanding reach could lead to Cold War-era proxy wars. From Taiwan to East Africa, China's growing influence threatens the security of the U.S. and the rest of the West.

Sep 2, 2021 • 24min
The Insidious Nature & Deadly Consequences of INCEL Culture
In recent months and years, the term INCEL has gained national and international prominence for all the wrong reasons. A so-called “red pill” / “black pill” dichotomy within the largely online community known as INCELs, short for involuntary celibates, has resulted in several mass killing events. The latest attack took place on August 13th, when Jake Davison shot and killed 5 people in Plymouth, England. Charley Gleeson of CTG’s CTSC team joins Adam to discuss this movement.

Aug 26, 2021 • 37min
Is it finally time to negotiate with terrorists?
As chaos continues to ensue in the wake of the Taliban’s victory over the Afghan government, the international community is grappling with how to manage their response to the crisis. Today Rob is joined by Jujhar & Vaania from CTG’s CENTCOM team to discuss what the situation looks like on the ground, how the international community (beyond the United States) is handling the situation, and, most importantly, what can be done to manage the inevitable refugee crisis with humanity and empathy at the center of the response.

Aug 19, 2021 • 26min
The Truth behind how Afghanistan Fell
Since President Biden began evacuating troops in earnest in late July, the situation in Afghanistan has changed – and fast. In just a matter of days, Taliban forces have enveloped the entire nation. On August 15th, the Taliban entered Kabul as reports came out detailing how sitting President Ghani had fled to Tajikistan. The U.S. is seemingly out of the fire into the frying pan as President Biden sends 6,000 more troops to Afghanistan with a single mission: protect the Hamid Karzai International Airport, and evacuate as many Americans and refugees as possible. Once again, Aimee Hanstein from CTG’s CENTCOM team joins us to break down the situation.

Aug 12, 2021 • 22min
The Surge of Terrorist Kidnappings across Africa
In recent years, mass kidnappings in Africa have become a near-weekly occurrence, especially in Nigeria where Boko Haram wreaks havoc. Clara de Solages joins Adam to break down the current state of this continental crisis, as well as detail how some states can adapt to face this challenge more effectively.

Aug 5, 2021 • 26min
How a Major Terrorist Group may soon Control an Entire Nation
As the US prepares to permanently withdraw all troops from Afghanistan after 20 years of devastating conflict, the Taliban stands uniquely positioned to potentially topple the existing democratic government and seize control of the country by force. After two decades of war and tens of thousands of lives lost, the US has little to show for its efforts in Afghanistan. And the Taliban is as emboldened and powerful as ever. Was the United States’ rapid withdrawal from the country a mistake? Or would remaining in the country just have delayed the inevitable? Today I’m joined by Zaskia Torres from CTG’s CENTCOM team to discuss some of these big questions, and also to forecast whether or not the Taliban, one of the world’s most infamous terrorist organizations, may soon control an entire nation.

Jul 29, 2021 • 31min
Romance Scams: Cheated out of Love
The frequency of romance scams, which involve a scammer posing online as someone they’re not for the purpose of deceiving and ultimately extorting an unsuspecting victim, have increased precipitously year over year since the explosion of online dating first began. Not only can this scheme be financially devastating for victims, but it also takes a major emotional and psychological toll that many never fully recover from. Today I’m joined by Michelle Kaplun from CTG’s Illicit Finance & Economic Threats team to discuss the mechanics of how these scams function, who the victims and perpetrators are, the consequences for this type of fraud, and what can be done to stop and reverse this alarming trend.

Jul 22, 2021 • 19min
Progress & Discord in Cuba
Covid-19 has crippled Cuba's already fragile economy. The Cuban government points its fingers at the US while many Cubans point their fingers at their own government. Jasmine Woolley of CTG's SOUTHCOM joins us today to break down how Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel's assumption of the role of Communist Party Leader will affect Cuba's relationship with the US, as well as how it will affect Cuba's response to the label of a failed state.