In this edition of Intel Insights, Leighton discusses the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, providing background information on the situation and analyzing the factors that led to the attack. He explains how Hamas meticulously planned the attack, using various weapons and tactics to target I…
Intel Insights
by Cedric Leighton
Welcome to Intel Insights. This is a podcast presented by CNN Military Analyst and 26-year US Air Force Intelligence veteran, Col (Ret) Cedric Leighton. Tune in each Thursday to learn more about critical national security issues; what is happening and why. Topics will cover everything from the war in Ukraine to the conflict between China and Taiwan, the scramble for Africa, and the effort to control Latin America. You'll hear about the future of warfare, as well as how cyber robotics and artificial intelligence will shape the battle space for decades to come. After spending 26 years as a US Air Force Intelligence Officer, Cedric founded a strategic risk consultancy. A few years later, he became one of CNN's military analysts. In the military, he deployed around the world and served at all levels of command; from combat operations in the Middle East to the air staff and joint staff at the Pentagon. He witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, helped run special operations missions in L
Latest Episodes
In this edition of Intel Insights, Leighton discusses the recent plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, along with other top leaders. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but there are suspicions of an on-board explosion or sabotage. This incident highlights the…
In this episode of Intel Insights, Leighton discusses the recent coup in Niger and its potential global repercussions. Niger, a resource-rich country in West Africa, is one of the poorest nations in the world. Its significant uranium reserves have attracted the interest of various countries, includi…
"China hacks Japan's defense networks." -Washington Post
In this episode of Intel Insights, Leighton focuses on the great hack that happened to Japan, the increased aggressiveness from a rising China over the years, and Japan's decision to create a stronger national cyber strategy with cyber com…
In the previous episode of Intel Insights, Leighton discussed India's Siliguri Corridor and how China's moves in Bhutan could impact India's control of the Siliguri Corridor. Another important corridor (this time found in Europe) is the Suwalki Gap, or the Suwalki Corridor.
The Suwalki Gap conn…
The country of Bhutan is currently at the center of a major dispute, and has involved the countries of China and India. With the conflict happening between these powerful countries, there is a great possibility that this could boil over into a full-blown war.
In this episode of Intel Insights,…
The war in Ukraine has now been going on for over 500 days. It's hard to believe that this protracted conflict has lasted this long in its current phase. This episode of Intel Insights focuses on the key events that have taken place since Russia's attack in February 2022. Hear about the controversia…
In this episode of Intel Insights, Cedric Leighton discusses the challenges of predicting major events and the importance of understanding the potential for black swan events. He highlights historical examples of events that were not predicted or were ignored by decision-makers, such as the fall of …
In this edition of Intel Insights, Cedric Leighton explores the history of rebellions and revolutions in Russia, highlighting their significance and impact on the country's political landscape. He discusses notable events such as the Pugachev's Rebellion in the 18th century, the Russian Revolution o…
In this edition of Intel Insights, Cedric Leighton discusses the history and evolution of air defenses and air raid sirens, a sound that has become all too familiar in the Ukraine-Russia war.
Cedric takes us on a journey through the history of air defenses, from the first documented case of an a…
Something we are hearing about often in the news right now is F-16s in Ukraine. This episode dives into what F-16s are, the important process of training pilots and people who need to maintain the airframes, other potential aircraft options for Ukraine, and more.
While the F-16 may sound like t…
In the next few weeks, President Biden will be nominating a new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This position is very important, however it usually doesn't get the coverage that it should. The CJCS is the top ranking military officer in the United States and is responsible for advising the Pr…
One area of our world that is currently seeing a growing interest is Africa. The scramble for Africa actually refers back to the early 20th century when the European powers were trying to colonize the continent. Currently, Africa is the poorest part of the world. However, it is very rich in resource…
The world is a complex place. One of the major areas we need to examine and understand is the current conflict between China and Taiwan. We are all dependent on what is happening there - especially when it comes to trade and economic viability. While China has seen massive economic progress and grow…
One of the biggest issues we're currently facing in the national security space is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It can be easy to get lost in all of the details surrounding what's happening with this war. One of the greatest factors that comes into play here though is time; each side tak…
Welcome to Intel Insights. This is a podcast presented by CNN Military Analyst and 26-year US Air Force Intelligence veteran, Col (Ret) Cedric Leighton.
Tune in each Thursday to learn more about critical national security issues; what is happening and why.
Topics will cover everything from t…