CTG's Threat Intelligence Podcast

In this powerful episode, Arnold speaks with Agathe Labadi, an intelligence analyst at the Counterterrorism Group (CTG), to uncover what global intelligence trends reveal about the state of women's rights in conflict zones. From Sudan and Ukraine to Gaza and Afghanistan, we discuss how sexual and gender-based violence is being weaponized as a tool of war, the staggering scale of abuse, and the systemic failures in protecting women. We also explore the systemic failures in protecting women and how intelligence work can help expose and address these hidden atrocities.

How does GEOINT give OSINT its advantage? In this episode, we explore how satellite imagery offers unique advantages over SIGINT and HUMINT, helping analysts track troop movements, assess battlefield damage, and uncover hidden activities. We also dig into how geospatial data is verified, the use of open and commercial imagery, and the analytical challenges that come with it. In this episode, Martina Nitti joins Arnold Koch to provide us with a deeper understanding of the impact that GEOINT has.

Smart glasses, such as the  Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses (Meta glasses hereafter), will likely facilitate terrorist activities, as malicious actors are likely to divert the initial use of the glasses to serve criminal or terrorist objectives. Potential terrorists will likely use the glasses as props to enhance their operational capabilities and efficiency in carrying out attacks, likely improving attack preparation and planning, surveillance tactics, and espionage. Given the glasses' capabilities to capture and broadcast photos, videos, and sounds, potential terrorists will likely use them to access sensitive information and sites, record the topography of potential targets, security measures, and personnel, or live-stream terrorist attacks. Given the device's potential discretion and users' ability to disguise them as normal glasses, security services will likely have difficulty identifying potential threats on the ground. On the other hand, the glasses' connectivity functions will enable law enforcement to track online individuals using the glasses for terrorist purposes by identifying networks, GPS, or IP addresses. In this episode, Agathe Labadi joins Arnold Koch to provide us with a deeper understanding of the threat impact of smart glasses.

Today, we're joined by two intelligence analysts from the Counterterrorism Group, who recently contributed to the 2025 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), an upcoming annual geopolitical forecast report. While crises expand across local, regional, and international levels, a comprehensive global assessment has never been more critical. In this episode, we'll explore the report's multi-regional approach and the key areas it highlights, particularly North and South America But first, our guests will share insights into their backgrounds and expertise.  

The Five Eyes alliance—Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US—forms one of the largest intelligence-sharing networks in the world. As global conflicts evolve, so do the challenges and threats. How are the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts impacting Five Eyes operations? And with the rise of decentralized threats, like cybercriminals and private intelligence agencies, what changes might be coming to their strategies and intelligence-sharing practices?

In late July 2024, Venezuela's national elections sparked protests and controversy. Though President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, the opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo González, won with a decisive majority. Months later, Venezuela remains in turmoil as González flees the country under an arrest warrant, and diplomatic tensions rise with nations across Latin America demanding transparency. In today's episode, Arnold K. sits down with security analyst Agathe Labadi to unpack the latest developments in Venezuela and what they mean for regional stability.

In 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian oligarch and leader of the notorious Wagner mercenary group, launched a "march for justice," seizing the southern city of Rostov in a move against Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, as quickly as it began, the operation was called off after mysterious negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Two months later, Prigozhin's plane crashed—reportedly downed by a Russian missile—killing him and several key officials. In this episode, William Adams joins Arnold Koch to explore the aftermath of Prigozhin's death, the shifting power dynamics within Russia, and the future of the Wagner Group.  

As conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza unfold, the term "open-source intelligence" (OSINT) has taken center stage. But what exactly is OSINT, and why is it so crucial for intelligence analysis in today's information-saturated world? In this episode, Martina Nitti joins Arnold Kochka to provide an overview of emerging OSINT techniques and what has changed since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. We dive into the nature of OSINT, its growing role in deciphering real-time events, and the tools that can help newcomers and experts alike sift through social media and data streams to find the truth.

In early August 2024, Ukraine launched an unexpected offensive into the Russian region of Kursk, catching Moscow off guard. Ukrainian forces swiftly took control of over 90 settlements, leaving the Russian government scrambling to respond. Now, the Kremlin is declaring a state of emergency and deploying inexperienced conscripts. Where is the conflict heading and what implications could these developments have for Western security? In this episode, William Adams joins Arnold Koch to provide us with a deeper understanding of these developments.

In this episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast, host Derrick T. Dortch dives into the complex and emerging world of extremism in gaming spaces with our distinguished guest, Linda Schlegel. As a research fellow at both the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) - Center for Applied Research on Deradicalization, Linda brings a wealth of expertise to this crucial discussion. Linda is a former intern at The Counterterrorism Group and will share about the intersection of gaming and extremism and how extremist groups are exploiting digital gaming spaces and the challenges this poses, and much more.

In this episode, Derrick T. Dortch joins Scott Kim, a seasoned Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) practitioner with years of experience at Fortune 10 companies specializing in threat research on ransomware groups and nation-state actors. Recently, Scott has presented at European conferences and shares his research on the latest cyber threats impacting today's world. In June 2024, Scott presented "Bandwagon Effects and Cyber Deceptions: ALPHV's Assault on Optum and the AT&T Outage" at the 2024 Hague Threat Intelligence Exchange (Hague TIX) in The Hague, Netherlands, hosted by Leiden University's Institute of Security and Global Affairs. In July 2024, he also delivered a presentation titled "Mitigating the Disruptive Impact of IoT Botnets in Cyberspace: A Case Study on the Mirai Botnet" at the Trusted Internet Summer School on Internet Governance and International Law (SSIGIL) in Łódź, Poland, hosted by the University of Łódź at the Faculty of Law and Administration. Additionally, Scott serves as the Vice President of the FBI Dallas Citizens Academy Alumni Association, where he oversees operational functions, manages social media engagement, and leads community outreach initiatives. He also teaches criminal justice courses as an associate faculty member. Scott previously worked as a CTG intern and progressed to the role of Cybersecurity Project Manager. He holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law from the University of Texas at Arlington.  

Brazil is a jewel of nature, diversity, and resources that dominates the Eastern front of the Americas. It is also a country where some of the most violent, dangerous, and powerful criminal organizations in Latin America are based. Brazil's ports make it an ideal hub for trans-Atlantic illicit trafficks, while its northern and Western borders allow for the transit of people and all kinds of products to almost every other South American country. In this episode, Enrico Dal Cine joins Arnold Koch to offer an overview of the country's main criminal organizations and their businesses.

Women face disproportionate threats and violence, and it is crucial to explore and tackle the critical issues surrounding women's security. Featuring insights from an experienced security analyst, in this episode, we explore the challenges that women face on a daily basis, how to improve awareness and establish safer environments for women everywhere. From personal safety to systemic issues, our guest will provide an overview of the factors driving violence, while also offering tips and actionable strategies to enhance personal safety and empower women to take control of their security.

Colombia is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. For decades, however, it has been plagued by the scourge of drug trafficking and organized crime. Cartels, terrorists, militias, and paramilitary groups led decades of violence and instability that have impacted the lives of millions, and of a nation. In this episode, Enrico Dal Cine joins Arnold Koch to delve into the origins and current landscape of drug cartels in Colombia, looking into the current key players, their tactics, and what Colombian society and government do to combat them.

In our time, information is power, and artificial intelligence can become a great tool to improve our use and of information, but also to manipulate it. The increasing role of AI-enabled tools that blur the distinction between reality and fiction is worrisome, and AI-driven disinformation may be reshaping our understanding of truth. Can the electoral and democratic processes that we engage in our daily lives could be threatened by the use of AI? How do threat actors actually employ it? Who is behind disinformation campaigns on social media platforms? In this episode, Janthe Van Schaik joins Arnold Koch to help us uncover the dynamics of AI disinformation campaigns, the tools used by threat actors, and what we can do to counter them.

The 2024 Olympics are less than three months away, and the international context is as tense as ever.  Terrorism, lone wolves, and cyber attacks are just some of the many security concerns for such a large, international sports event. When discussing security in the Olympics, it is inevitable to think about the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. On that occasion, 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, and a West German police officer were killed by Palestinian Black September terrorists. More than 50 years later, the Israeli-Palestinian issue is again at the center of the global stage, along with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. In this episode, Victoire Tissinié and Siddesh Shimpukade join Arnold Koch to help us explore the intelligence failures of the past, the lessons learned, and what threats to watch for the upcoming 2024 Olympics.

North Korea's policy-making is an ambiguous and shady domain. Little information on the domestic reality of the country filters to the outside world, but the impacts of Pyongyang's foreign policy on regional - and global - security need to be uncovered. In early 2024, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, announced that the objective of “reunification” with South Korea is no longer considered possible. More than 70 years after the end of the Korean war in 1953, which formally divided the two states, a significant shift in the North's policies towards the South could have a wider meaning for the region. In this episode, Samuel Pearson and Siddesh Shimpukade join Arnold Koch to provide us with a deeper understanding of the hidden nuances of the Korean peninsula's security dynamics, with an eye to the potential threats of tomorrow. 

On this episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast with Derrick T. Dortch, Dr. Richard J. Chasdi, a renowned scholar of terrorism and counterterrorism will be talking about his book and the topic of Corporate Security Surveillance. Dr. Chasdi is a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University, a Senior Fellow at the Global Peace Institute in London, and an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore. He has published extensively on these topics, including four books and numerous articles and book chapters. 

Great powers look increasingly Eastward. The perception of Chinese ambitions - and threats - in the Indo-Pacific has led the US, UK, and Australia to form the AUKUS partnership in 2021. A strategic defense alliance that includes the joint development of cutting-edge military systems, including nuclear ones, and joint programs on emerging sectors including quantum technologies, deep space, and AI. But AUKUS goes beyond the domain of tactics and operations. Talks about Japan joining the alliance have animated recent analyses. What could Tokyo bring to the AUKUS table? In this episode, Agathe Labadi and Mrinmoy Routh join Arnold Koch to provide us with a deeper understanding of the alliance, helping us understand the operational and strategic dynamics of the AUKUS deal and what comes next for the Indo-Pacific region.

In this episode, host Derrick T. Dortch talks with Cara, a former Counterterrorism Group (CTG) Watch Officer who now works as an open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigator focused on conflict and political dynamics in West Africa. Cara shares her experiences dealing with mental health challenges related to her work as an intelligence analyst. Her challenges are common in the intelligence sector but oftentimes not discussed.  In her work at CTG and other places, Cara was routinely exposed to traumatic images and videos in the course of her counterterrorism analysis work. Over time, this constant exposure to graphic, disturbing content takes a psychological toll. The intelligence community (government, military and private/NGO sector) often promotes a "suck it up" attitude and stigmatizes seeking mental health support. Analysts fear that admitting to psychological struggles could jeopardize their career opportunities. Resources exist but are limited and geared more towards those who experience direct trauma from deployments. Cara shares how and why she is an advocate for mental health in the career field of intelligence analysis. She urges the intelligence community to invest more in the mental health of its workforce. Cara transitioned to her current OSINT role after completing a Master's in Terrorism and Security Studies in 2023. Her insights shed much-needed light on a critical challenge affecting many intelligence professionals today.

This episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast with your host Derrick T. Dortch focuses on the National Hurricane Center's experimental update on the Cone of Uncertainty storm tracking tool set to launch in August 2024. Jennifer Radlinsky and Jayde Dorland from the Counterterrorism Group's Emergency Management, Health, and Hazards (EMH2) and Counter Threat Strategic Communications (CTSC) teams discuss the importance and benefits of the tool while exploring the dangers of misinformation circulating serious weather events and the best practices to access legitimate information during critical events.

Haiti is undergoing one of the biggest crises in its history. A tragedy of violence, hunger, and instability has engulfed the country in large civil unrest, perpetuating its status as the poorest state in Latin America and the Caribbean region. But what are the origins of this crisis? In order to understand where Haiti is heading, we need to assess what led to the violence, and what role, if any, other countries played in the country's history. In this episode, Samuel Pearson and Eamon Kobel join Arnold Koch to help us gain a comprehensive understanding of Haiti's history and the social, political, and economic issues that have led to massive turmoil.

In this episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast, Arnold Koka joins the team as a new host alongside Derrick T. Dortch, focusing on various cyber espionage threats that The Counter Terrorism Group has been tracking.  Cyber espionage is an increasingly hot topic. Who spies, how, and why? The United States and the United Kingdom have recently imposed sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals accused of being involved in a large cyber espionage campaign that allegedly targeted millions of lawmakers, academics, journalists, and businesses. But how do we navigate the realm of digital espionage? In this episode, Janthe Van Schaik and Mihai Marian Calinoiu help us understand the tangible dynamics of cyber espionage, offering us a better look into best practices for the public and private sectors.  

This episode of the Threat Intelligence Podcast with your host Derrick T. Dortch focuses on the various threats The Counter Terrorism Group has been working on in the month of January and what we should expect as we go into February. The focus of this episode is the recent Inspire Video released by Al Qaeda and the threat people need to be aware of. At the time of taping of this episode, the attack on the U.S. Base in Jordon that resulted in the deaths of 3 U.S. military service members had not occurred. The Counter Terrorism Group and The Counter Threat Center continues to monitor this situation as the risk of escalation in the Middle East grows.  

In this episode, Derrick T. Dortch joins members from the Women's Protection Group, a specialized team within The Counterterrorism Group to discuss a recently published report that reveals invaluable insights into Femicide and Gender-Based Violence. Tune in for a high-level discussion that aims to drive awareness and address this pressing issue.  

NATO has become an active topic today on the global stage. It has been focused on peaceful solutions and democratic values since its beginning. According to NATO's website, “Security in our daily lives is key to our well-being. NATO's purpose is to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.” However, the topic of an alliance has received the attention of those who oppose the entity. But what exactly is NATO? What does it do? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of today's topic.  

The Israel-Hamas war has continued to impact the stability of the region. This destructive war that has left thousands dead has become the arena where both sides have displayed their military capabilities, whether covertly or overtly. Both sides have made it their mission to meet their challenges with the strength of their forces whether through weapons or personnel. Today, we will discuss the weapons, strategies, and tactics used during the Israel-Hamas war and why it should matter to everyone. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Arnold Koka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of today's topic.

On October 12, 2022, Juraj Krajcik killed two people and injured another outside an LGBTQ+ bar in Bratislava, Slovakia. At the time, Prime Minister Eduard Hegar called Krajcik a “radicalized teenager” after the attack. Shortly after the attack, Krajcik wrote “feeling no regrets, isn't that funny?” on X. He published his manifesto on X before the attack. On the anniversary of Krajcik's death, supporters on Terrorgram circulated a special issue describing him, his attack, and his manifesto, “A Call to Arms.” The issue is included in “Terrorgram's Hometown Newspaper” titled “Daily News,” in which Krajcik was hailed as the first Saint. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Megan Khalife, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of today's topic.

The Israel-Hamas war has split the opinions of millions of people worldwide. Many have become influenced by the propaganda that has been published and shared. Once again, a violent war that has left thousands dead has become the battleground where propaganda has led astray. Both nations have eagerly used videos to display the actions of the opposing nation. The shared news and social media propaganda has also increased misinformation and disinformation with possible mistranslated videos, false claims, and more. Today, we will discuss the propaganda used during the Israel-Hamas war and why it matters. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Jayde Dorland and Dan Flanagan Intelligence Analysts at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of today's topic.

Lone wolf attacks have sparked the interest of those in the security and threat industries for a few decades. The fear of an act from a violent individual has driven many analysts and researchers to suggest safety policies for the public. Governments and agencies have relied on these security reports to develop preventative strategies. While there have been ample examples of lone-wolf attacks, the topic deserves further public analysis. What are lone wolves, and what motivates them to act upon violence? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Chloe Woodbine, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of today's topic.

October 7, 2023, will be remembered as a day an additional deadly conflict arose on the global stage. On that date, Hamas forces crossed into Israel and produced carnage that will be replayed in the minds of the survivors for many years to come. The Israel-Hamas war has split the opinions and positions of millions across the world. Many protests have taken place throughout the globe, echoing support and rage. But what have been the positions taken by governments during the Israel-Hamas war? Today's conversation will focus on the responses of the superpowers and regional powers. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of today's topic.

Today, the US, Russia, and China lead the world as superpowers. These countries play an important role in many sectors, from technology to food to raw materials. Each nation has marked its supremacy and leadership both regionally and globally. Each country is known for having an advanced military and technical advantage. Many fear that a potential conflict among these nations could lead to a devastating end where no side wins. Though a battle among these superpowers is unthinkable, a discussion about their military might is imperative. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Arnold Koka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the superpowers' militaries and their impact today.

This year, Ethiopia's federal government declared a six-month-long state of emergency in Amhara, the second-largest region, after days of violent confrontations between the army and the local Fano militia. The Amhara government sought assistance from Ethiopia's federal government to help re-impose order, allowing authorities to ban public gatherings, enforce curfews, and make arrests or searches without warrants. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sophia Ritscher, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of Ethiopia's six-month state of emergency and its impact on the region.

For the past couple of years, a specific concept has dominated discussions in the field of extremism. What is currently known as the “Great Replacement Theory”  has been displayed on news channels and social media platforms almost endlessly. Many have used this ideology to mask their intentions, while others have become victims of such beliefs. This idea has led some proponents to advocate for a distinction among all people, a claim that teeters on the edge of separatism and exclusionism. But what exactly is the “Great Replacement Theory”? What can we learn from this concept? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Jayde Dorland, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the Great Replacement Theory.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist group, invaded Israel via land, air, and sea. The violent assault, which started at about 6:30 am local time, began with Hamas unleashing about 5,000 rockets into Israel. About an hour later, Hamas' soldiers entered the Gaza border by using paragliders and boats, walking into Israel. By 11:00 am, Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared, “We are at war and we will win”. This assault on Israel exemplifies the regional historic instability. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helpuka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of Israel's war with Hamas.

The year 2023 has witnessed several French protests. The rise of French citizens and their chants of uproar in their cities plagued all forms of media. Social media displayed their marches and echoed their shouts of protest. It seemed like the only news from France was primarily about the French objections. Several videos appeared of cities in awful conditions, some due to violence, others due to the clashes between the citizens and the police. But what can be learned from these protests? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helpuka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the protests in France.

Warfare has been changing since the very beginning, but its evolution has experienced a drastic change since the start of the 21st century. The land, air, and sea armaments employed by the military have seen the amalgamation of technology, science, and defense. Many weapons have become synonymous with war, like the B-29 Superfortress famously used in World War Two, or the M1 Abrams, or the AK-47, still commonly used today. But one particular weapon that has caught the attention of the world is the drone, specifically the sea drone. Today, the Ukrainian-Russian war has become the global stage, where sea drones have become the protagonist. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Arnold Kola, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the sea drones in the Ukrainian-Russian war and their impact on naval warfare worldwide.

Africa is a vast continent containing almost 20% of the world's population. According to the UN, Africa holds 40% of the world's gold and up to 90% of its chrome and silver. These features have attracted the interest of foreign groups and governments. How have these groups impacted the continent? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth speaks with Agathe, an intelligence analyst at the Counterterrorism Group, to gain further insight into outside forces' involvement and impact on Africa today. _________________________________________________________ África es un continente amplio que contiene casi el 20% de la población mundial. Además, África posee el 40% del oro del mundo y hasta el 90% de su cromo y plata, según la ONU. Estas características han atraído el interés de grupos y gobiernos extranjeros. ¿Cómo estos grupos han impactado el continente?  En este episodio, Salomon Montaguth habla con Agathe, un analista de inteligencia aquí en el Counterterrorism Group para adquirir mayor conocimiento sobre la participación de fuerzas externas y su impacto en África hoy en día.  

On June 20, 2023, reports broke about negotiations between China and Cuba regarding possibly establishing a Chinese military base in Cuba. Opening a military base in Cuba would result in Chinese troops stationed less than 100 miles from the coast of the United States. The US government is currently in conversations with the Chinese and Cuban governments. Neither the Chinese nor the Cuban government has commented on the reports. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Iris Forsberg, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the impact a Chinese military base in Cuba may have.

The South China Sea and the Pacific region have been hot topics for many years and have drawn the attention of several governments. The US Department of Defense has claimed that “China continues to expand exploration activities in the SCS (South China Sea) as part of its hunt for much-needed energy and is now receiving oil and gas from the SCS (South China Sea). Other nations like the Philippines have confronted China regarding their questionable behavior in the Pacific region. As a result, such events have introduced many people to something called “maritime warfare”. But what exactly is maritime warfare and why is it important? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Arnold Koka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to better understand maritime warfare and its impact in the Pacific region.

The massive continent of Africa contains almost 20% of the world's population. Additionally, Africa holds 40% of the world's gold and up to 90% of its chromium and platinum, according to the UN. These facts have led to an increase in interest in Africa by groups and governments outside of the continent. But how impactful are these groups and harmful can they be? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Agathe Labadi, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the involvement of external forces and their impact on Africa today.  

Active Clubs (ACs) are a network of localized, decentralized, and loosely structured chapters formally affiliated with the network that possess far-right, white supremacist, and neo-Nazi ideologies. They have a significant presence throughout the US and Europe. Their movement is fueled by physical fitness, self-improvement, and establishing a fraternal brotherhood centered around white racial consciousness. They maintain an active presence on social media platforms such as Telegram, Gab, and TikTok. These channels are used for recruitment, propaganda, and exchanging advice on conducting fitness training. But, what fuels these groups and their ideologies? In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of Active Clubs (ACs) and their impact on society. 

The Wagner Group is a private military company, primarily used by Russian President Putin, to complete military assignments. This paramilitary organization has been a topic of interest for many in the threat intelligence community, especially here at the Counterterrorism Group. The Wagner Group has been connected to atrocities and has had their associations and history questioned. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to get a deeper understanding of the Wagner Group and their impact across the world.

Polish President Andrzej Duda announced in late May 2023 that he would sign a bill to create a panel to investigate allegations that the Civic Platform political party (PO) allowed Russia to influence Poland during its time in power from 2007 to 2015. The panel will have the authority to ban people found guilty of acting under Russian influence from holding security clearance or overseeing public funds, effectively disqualifying them from holding public office for 10 years. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sophia Ritscher, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to discuss the real impact of Russian influence on politics in Poland.

On May 28, 2023, the Turkish presidential election took place. President Erdoğan, president of Turkey since 2014, was seeking re-election. This campaign had much to address like inflation, regional stability and security, geopolitical differences, economic crisis, and much more. In this episode, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka, Intelligence Analyst at The Counterterrorism Group, to discuss the real impact this change will have in the region. They will explore the key issues that were at stake in the election, how Erdoğan's campaign addressed them, and what the future of Turkey looks like.

National Security is a topic vital to all governments and their citizens. It establishes the defense and security of a nation whether domestically or internationally. American National Security has been a prominent topic on all news platforms, here in the US and around the world. It has also been a talking point for those seeking political office or for others inciting certain ideologies. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sophia Ritscher an Intelligence Analyst here at the Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of American National Security.

Artificial intelligence specialists and political scientists have warned about the use of AI-enabled generative tools that could sway the upcoming 2024 elections through the production and dissemination of synthetic images, video, and audio material known as “deep fakes” on social media. Evidence of AI meddling recently surfaced on May 14, 2023, during the Turkish presidential election, where several doctored videos of incumbent President Recep Erdoğan and challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu giving speeches appeared on social media.  To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Sonia Savci, an Intelligence Analyst here at the Counterterrorism Group, to try to get a deeper understanding of misinformation and deep fakes.  

America's National Security has played a vital role in many areas like national defense, counterintelligence, foreign affairs, international security, and others. As a result, there have been major and historical consequences worldwide. With how important this topic is becoming, here at the Counterterrorism Group, we decided to present to our audience a Roundtable Discussion on America's National Security and the World. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Julia Tsarnas from the Latin America and Indo-Pacific Team, Pike Wipperfurth from the Middle East and Africa Team, and Gabriel Helupka from the Europe Team here at the Counterterrorism Group, to try and better understand the real impact America's National Security has on the world.

In this episode, we will be focusing on narcoterrorism and its consequences and impact in South America. Narcoterrorism has become a topic of high importance today. It had exponents and figures such as "El Chapo Guzman" and "Pablo Escobar" in the past, it has the ability to influence economies and challenge security forces in many countries worldwide. This discussion will focus on its consequences and impacts in Latin America.  In this episode, Salomon Montaguth speaks with J. Felix, a senior counterterrorism analyst here at The Counterterrorism Group to discuss the effects of narcoterrorism in South America. El narcoterrorismo se ha vuelto un tema de alta importancia hoy en día. Tuvo exponentes y figuras como “El Chapo Guzman” y “Pablo Escobar” en el pasado, tiene la capacidad de influenciar economias y desafiar fuerzas de seguridad de muchos paises a nivel mundial. Por lo tanto, aquí en el Counterterrorism Group, sentimos que nuestra audiencia ganaría mucho al aprender más sobre los eventos en esta región. En este episodio, Salomon Montaguth habla con J.Felix, un analista sénior de contraterrorismo aquí en el Counterterrorism Group para analizar los efectos del narcoterrorism en América del Sur.  

In April 2023, Finland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also known as NATO, while war was present in Europe. The 30-nation alliance invited its 31st member after Turkey-backed Finland's membership. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Gabriel Helupka from the Europe Team from The Counterterrorism Group to discuss the real impact Finland's membership into NATO will have in the region.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Invasion led by American forces to topple Iraq's dictator Saddam Hussein. President George W. Bush, the then-American president at the time, proclaimed that Saddam Hussein and his government had Weapons of Mass Destruction, WMD. Eventually, there were no WMDs found. After 20 years, the consequences of the invasion are still felt in the Middle East and have found their place in American History as one of the least favored wars as per a Gallup poll from February 2023. To take a deeper dive, Salomon Montaguth is joined by Pike Wipperfurth from the African and Middle East team at The Counterterrorism Group to discuss the real impact this diplomatic change will have in the region.