M.I.Cynic

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week, from the vault, we are releasing a conversation with Shakir McClean which was recorded during the political storm resulting in the eventual resignation of Mr. Kwarteng and eventually the PM Liz Truss. Although politics has progressed in leaps and bounds since, we felt this snippet of political recent history might still be quite relevant today. At that time, Liz Truss' future seemed very uncertain, and we soon discovered that meant the end of her premiership. A future episode will deal with the ramifications of her short tenure and the arrival of PM Rishi Sunak. But rather than leave the episode in the vault of outdated 'furniture', we thought much of the discussion surrounding David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss was still relevant and timely. Let us know what you make of 12 years of Tory rule. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week, we cover US President Joe Biden's presidency as we approach the crucial mid-term elections. We discuss his speech addressing the legal case between the US Government vs Donald Trump, electoral differences between them, appealing to the crucial swing voters, his focus on long-term infrastructure commitments, addressing polarisation, student loan relief package, the political party system in America, prospects for the next election, electoral costs of Biden's personal brand, withdrawal from Afghanistan, and his legacy thus far. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

In this week's episode, Ahmed Patel and I unravel the relationship between Islam and terrorism. We discuss his shock when news of his brother-in-law's (Mohammed Siddique Khan) involvement in the 7/7 London bombings, the role of grievance and victimisation in terrorist motives, the factor of substance abuse and mental health, the role of social media and the internet, differences in radicalisation for ultranationalist and Islamist terrorists, comparisons to Christianity's history of violence, and more. Join us for deep dive into Islam's demons.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week, we discuss the sea of troubles surrounding former US President Donald Trump and the ongoing judicial case stemming from sensitive top secret documents retrieved from his Mar-A-Lago retreat. We discuss the Espionage Act, parry politics, his undeterred base of supporters, confidentiality, polarisation, prospects for the next US presidential and midterm elections, and more. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week, we discuss the past, present and future of Hong Kong as it completes 25 years since the United Kingdom's handover of the city to China. We go over the infamous NSL (National Security Law), the effects of Covid-19 clampdown on civil rights, draconian quarantine measures on arrivals, depopulation, migration, cost of living crisis, loss of its prestige internationally, its similarity with prospects over Taiwan, the dearth of democracy and lastly, its future relationship with the Western world. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. We discuss increased tension between China and the United States over the status of Taiwan, including US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to the island, the legal status of Taiwanese sovereignty, a brief history of Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War, Taiwan's democracy, comparison to other breakaway regions such as Kosovo, the principle of self-determination in international relations, the "Two China" system and US foreign policy, the burden of a world hegemon, redrawing world maps, threat of conflict between the United States and China in the midst of the Ukraine invasion, the defensibility of Taiwan, risk of a catastrophic World War, China's policy objectives, demographic and other concerns for Chinese officials, domestic dissidence in China, and lastly the problem of rash decision-making in autocracies. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This time around, Dr. Jozef Hrabina (Ph.D.) is invited to step in as co-host for a special Cynical Talk podcast. Jorge and Jozef discuss how the recent grain deal signed in Turkey, the global food supply crisis, the Russian economy post-USSR, Russian resurgentism, the souring of relations with the United States, the end of unipolarity, the impact of technological advances and the "Great Game" of diplomacy, the failure of maintaining the Warsaw Pact bloc, the legacy of 2014, a victory in Ukraine, and the rebuilding Russian military strength shape Russian grand strategy today. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

In this week's episode, Jozef Hrabina (Ph.D., Moscow State Institute of International Relations) and I discuss Russian-Western relations following the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War. We discuss misperception of mindsets, the origin of Russian Statehood, Russian mobilisation, Prof. Mearsheimer's Realist views, Russian foreign reserves and capacity to weather unprecedented sanctions, Russian stranglehold over European energy security, economic damage done to Europe as a result of these sanctions and its political consequences, the failure of deposing Vladimir Putin, Russian counter-measures such as intellectual property rights, China's silent opportunism, the role of the Global South, the future of the Post-Soviet Space, and lastly what "winning the unwinnable" war might look like. Join us for deep dive into Russia's unwinnable war.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week we take a look at developments in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including the recent deal on grain shipments signed in Turkey, an overview of deals/laws/conventions in wartime, diplomacy and game theory, bilateral relations during war, the question of Russia's mobilisation and plausible explanations, the feasibility of de-escalation manoeuvres, energy security in Europe, and finally we summarise whether peace is more likely by this winter or not. Cynical Talk is a more light-hearted spin on the main M.I.Cynic series, with an impromptu and provocative take on contemporary topics. Every Friday, expect us to sound off on a variety of topics centred around current affairs and the news cycle. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week we take a look at the sudden and shocking downfall of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, his legacy and personality, the race for the next leader of the Conservative Party, the media spectacle, Brexit, and flaws in the electoral system. Cynical Talk is a more light-hearted spin on the main M.I.Cynic series, with an impromptu and provocative take on contemporary topics. Every Friday, expect us to sound off on a variety of topics centred around current affairs and the news cycle. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome back fellow cynics as your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk. This week we take a look at the Global LGBT Divide. We discuss & critique London Pride 2022 (including corporate practices), differences in global attitudes towards acceptance of homosexuality (including Islamic-majority nations), historical sodomy laws (Oscar Wilde, Alan Turing), the conflation between homosexuality and the West, colonial-era laws, the failure of exporting human rights, recent backlash including the "Buzz Lightyear" film & Saudi ban on rainbows, ignorance of homosexuality in international politics, the legacy of colonialism translating to inaction on transnational LGBT issues, Pride and the Trans movement, identity and biological sex, finally landing on gender reassignment surgery vis-à-vis State duties. Cynical Talk is a more light-hearted spin on the main M.I.Cynic series, with an impromptu and provocative take on contemporary topics. Every Friday, expect us to sound off on a variety of topics centred around current affairs and the news cycle. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

In this week's episode, Rick Hotchner (Ambassador at BraverAngels, former Executive at CIA) and I partake in an expansive discussion surrounding polarisation and the political divide affecting the United States today. We discuss the consequences of mass shootings (including the recent Uvalde incident), his work at Braver Angels as Ambassador, fundamental areas of disagreement between adherents of the American political parties, the impact of economic hardships & communications technology, debate culture, radicalisation in new & old media, systemic racism, Socrates' educational requirements of democracy, cancel culture, finding the elusive 'common ground', and restoring the promise of American liberty. Join us for deep dive into rebuilding America's shaky foundations.

Welcome fellow cynics and please jump in to join your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft as we continue our weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk! Every Friday, expect us to sound off on a variety of topics centred around current affairs and the news cycle. This week, we round off our discussion on the British Monarchy. We discuss royal spies and espionage, the monarchy's connection to fascism, maintaining the Crown's PR, tabloid-mania, MI5, Sir Anthony Blunt, their influence on politics and foreign relations, and our concluding thoughts on it. Cynical Talk is a more light-hearted spin on the main M.I.Cynic series, with an impromptu and provocative take on contemporary topics. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoy piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

Welcome fellow cynics and please jump in to join your co-hosts Thomas Brancato and Jorge Shaft as we unveil the launch of our new weekly roundup series, Cynical Talk! Every Friday, expect us to sound off on a variety of topics centred around current affairs and the news cycle. This week, as we conclude the month of the Platinum Jubilee, we briefly touch down on what the Crown means from a British perspective - how it impacts the national character, politics, history, society, class, economics, and more. Cynical Talk is a more light-hearted take on the main M.I.Cynic series, with a more jovial and less studied take on contemporary topics. We hope you enjoy tuning in as much as we enjoyed piecing these together! Drop us a comment anytime, anywhere.

In this week's episode, Dr. Indu Saxena (Ph.D. in Political Science Rajasthan & Rutgers University, Deputy Director of CIPR), Rushali Saha (Researcher at the Diplomat Risk Intelligence & CIPR, Incoming Visiting Fellow at The Stimson Center) and I round off our conversation on India's contemporary relationship with two powerful neighbours: China and Russia. We discuss the implications and decisions that India would face should China launch a military incursion into Taiwan, Indian preparation for Chinese economic pressure (such as seen in Sri Lanka), security concerns after heightened naval/cyber/aerial/extra-terrestrial competition in the Indo-Pacific, and whether Imperial-historical links with Buddhism might lead to future convergence between China and India. Join us for a deep dive into India's current foreign relations.

In this week's episode, I am joined by Dr. Indu Saxena (Ph.D. in Political Science Rajasthan & Rutgers University, Deputy Director of CIPR, and Rushali Saha (Researcher at the Diplomat Risk Intelligence & CIPR, Incoming Visiting Fellow at The Stimson Center). Together we explore India's contemporary relationship with two powerful neighbours: China and Russia. We discuss the feasibility of a border war with China following military drills last year in Tibet, China's rapid economic build-up and ensuing national interests, the impact of India's stance towards Moscow following the war in Ukraine, and what the implications might be for New Delhi of a multipolar world order in the near future. Join us for a deep dive into India's current foreign relations.

In this week's episode, Matthew Shaw (Ph.D. Candidate at University of St. Mark & St, John) and I round off our conversation on the "Incel" (involuntary celibate) subculture. We discuss the problems stemming from the popular understanding of the Incel movement, the status of gender in their ideology, employing novel methods of transmission. female Incels, policy implications, the effectiveness of deradicalisation programmes, the impact of higher education, and its wider place within our neoliberal society. Join us for a deep dive into the Incel world.

In this week's episode, Matthew Shaw (Ph.D. Candidate at University of St. Mark & St, John) and I explore a new approach towards the "Incel" (involuntary celibate) subculture. By carefully examining high-profile mass shootings, such as the ones committed by Jake Davidson and Elliot Roger, along with new statistical evidence and research on the subject, we challenge many contemporary beliefs and attitudes regarding this social phenomenon. Inevitably, our conversation leads into a broader discussion of modernity, masculinity, feminism, ideology and economics, among others. Join us for a deep dive into the Incel world.

In this week's episode, Dr. Yannick Veilleux-Lepage (Assistant Professor – Terrorism and Political Violence, Leiden University) and I finish our conversation on the changes taking place in today's extremism. Dr. Lepage considers the implications of transmission, replication and adoption and how they function when applied to the Manchester Arena attack. We discuss the emergence of the new tools of the terrorist trade, such as 3D printed firearms. Lastly, we discuss the prevalence of dehumanisation and possible policies predicated on re-humanisation. Join us for a deep dive into terrorism's mutation.

In this week's episode, Dr. Yannick Veilleux-Lepage (Assistant Professor - Terrorism and Political Violence, Leiden University) and I explore the changes taking place in today's extremism. We discuss the implications of the Utoya island attacks in Norway ten years on, the rise of "white nationalist" and far-right political extremism, where the novelty lies behind today's radical right, and identifying a 'marketplace' where extremist ideas are being exchanged. Join us for a deep dive into the terrorism's mutation.

In this week's episode, Marian Duris (Foreign Policy Consultant to MEP - European Parliament) and I finish our conversation on the unprecedented challenges from all directions faced by the European Union this year. We discuss the reaction of the "V4" nations to the EU's heavy-handed policy on absorbing MENA migrants, Brussels' bullying, the federal/confederal debate, global terrorism trends flowing into Europe, the concept of 'European-ness', "no-go" areas in London + Paris. Lastly, we discuss whether the EU faces an existential threat from sectors in society who do not share a European Umwelt. Join us for a deep dive into the Union's boiling point.

Join us in the final part of our wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on Afghanistan, in the month following the withdrawal of coalition forces. We are joined in this episode by returning guests: Eliot Wilson FRSA (Co-Founder, Pivot Point) and Gracias Kassongo (CEO, K-Enterprises). Together we discuss whether some sections of society championed the return of the Taliban, whether groups such as ISIS-K will find a new safe haven to launch attacks on the West, the theatre and circus of high-profile televised interviews, the case of Mrs. Arghand, and finally whether the history of terrorism in Northern Ireland can offer any lessons. The K-Voices podcast is a platform which follows K-Enterprises' mission to provide holistic solutions for governments, businesses and NGOs for security, environmental and social problems. Contact us today for more information on how you can lead the way for a safer tomorrow.

In this week's episode, Marian Duris (Foreign Policy Consultant to MEP - European Parliament) and I discuss the unprecedented challenges from all directions faced by the European Union this year. We discuss the Slovakian PM's resignation following the scandal over the Sputnik V vaccine deal, the EU's vaccination barriers to travel, Brexit Britain's problematic blackmailing behaviour and what it might mean for security cooperation, as well as current legal disputes with ruling parties in Poland and Hungary. Join us for a deep dive into the Union's boiling point.

Join us in our third K-Voices podcast for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on Afghanistan, in the month after the withdrawal of coalition forces. We are joined in this episode by returning guests: Eliot Wilson FRSA (Co-Founder, Pivot Point) and Gracias Kassongo (CEO, K-Enterprises). Together we evaluate the timeliness of the US withdrawal, the activity of other powers in Kabul post-withdrawal, Afghanistan's changing demographics and the challenge of how to define/portray today's Taliban. The K-Voices podcast is a platform which follows K-Enterprises' mission to provide holistic solutions for governments, businesses and NGOs for security, environmental and social problems. Contact us today for more information on how you can lead the way for a safer tomorrow.

Join us once again for the final part of our second K-Voices podcast, where we conclude our conversation on securing tomorrow's Britain. We are joined by Eliot Wilson FRSA (Co-Founder, Pivot Point), Gracias Kassongo (CEO, K-Enterprises) and Chris Ullah (Critical Communications Expert, former Superintendent - Greater Manchester Police). Our expert panel discusses the key areas of tomorrow's security concerns in Britain and beyond: we discuss the challenges and lessons from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, mobile device security in light of the "Pegasus" hacks, the role of critical communications systems, and lastly we reveal certain promising steps towards a safer tomorrow. The K-Voices podcast is a platform which follows K-Enterprises' mission to provide holistic solutions for governments, businesses and NGOs for security, environmental and social problems. Contact us today for more information on how you can lead the way for a safer tomorrow.

In this week's episode, Dr. Gustav Gressel (Ph.D., Senior Policy Fellow at ECFR) and I finish our discussion about managing Europe's relationship with an increasingly provocative Russia. We discuss whether NATO's defensive planning is congruent with the Russian mindset, the virtues and limitations of economic sanctions, and what it might take for Russia and Europe to finally live in peace. Join us for a deep-dive into the strategy behind modern Kremlinology.

In this week's episode, Dr. Gustav Gressel (Ph.D., Senior Policy Fellow at ECFR) and I discuss the challenges and trade-offs faced by the European Union as it manages a reinvigorated Russia on its Eastern borders. We discuss recent Black Sea "muscle-flexing", Ukraine's predicament, Russia's ambitions towards former USSR member States, and what could happen if the "Cold War 2.0" turns hot. Join us for a deep-dive into the strategy behind modern Kremlinology.

Join us in our second K-Voices podcast for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on the topic of securing tomorrow's Britain. We are joined by Eliot Wilson FRSA (Co-Founder, Pivot Point), Gracias Kassongo (CEO, K-Enterprises) and Chris Ullah (Critical Communications Expert, former Superintendent - Greater Manchester Police). Our expert panel discusses the key areas of tomorrow's security challenges, including the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, hostile state actors (such as Russia and China), and finally the nature of Counter-Terrorism within its fluctuating context. Please join us for an enlightening, informative and solution-seeking foray into this topic. The K-Voices podcast is a platform which follows K-Enterprises' mission to provide holistic solutions for governments, businesses and NGOs for security, environmental and social problems. Contact us today for more information on how you can lead the way for a safer tomorrow.

In this week's episode, I finish my conversation with Luis Campos (Analyst in Chief for the Americas at Horizon Intelligence) about the recent upheaval that has rocked Colombia. We discuss left/right violence and de-radicalisation in the demonstrations, as well as the reality of being an OSINT analyst: managing client expectations and striving for accuracy in a highly volatile environment. Finally, we go over the impacts of Covid-19 upon the protests and the future for Colombia and Latin America at large. Join us for a deep-dive into the data behind the riots.

In this week's episode, Luis Campos (Analyst in Chief for the Americas at Horizon Intelligence) answers my questions about the recent upheaval that has rocked Colombia. We discuss his report on the state of transport networks during this unrest, the collection and interpretation of OSINT, correcting bias in the data, political radicalisation in Colombia, and finally the influence of President Duque. Join us for a deep-dive into the data behind the riots.

In this week's episode, I conclude my conversation with Rushali Saha (Researcher, Centre for Air Power Studies) on India's strategic future within a simmering Indo-Pacific theatre. We go over the nature of India's partnership with the United States, how New Delhi balances its relationships with Washington and Beijing, and the difficulty of maintaining non-alignment. Lastly, we discuss India's rocky relationship with China, and the (dis)advantages of closer cooperation. Join us for a deep-dive into the depths of grand Pacific strategy.

To finish our first encounter, Efren (host, Chiefs of Station) and I continue our discussion on all things OSINT. We discuss Efren's podcast with Dr. Tony Craig (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) and elaborate more on the topic of political interference. We exchange views on covert political interference in Latin America, Iran, and modern examples - assessing their risks and rewards. We talk about the critical thinking skills of the modern analyst, the consumption of information today and its manipulation through social media. Join us for a more laid back, conversational, engaging and thoughtful meeting of the minds between two intelligence aficionados!

In this week's episode, Rushali Saha (Researcher, Centre for Air Power Studies) answers my questions about India's strategic future within a simmering Indo-Pacific theatre. I ask her about the rising tension between Beijing and Washington over the Pacific and what this means for New Delhi, about India's collaboration with the US Navy, the QUAD arrangements and Russia's behaviour. Lastly, we go over potential hiccoughs in the Indian-American relationship, such as over the status of the Diego Garcia islands. Join us for a deep-dive into the depths of grand Pacific strategy.

We are excited to present this Episode of K-Voices, a platform which follows K-Enterprises' mission to provide holistic solutions for governments, businesses and NGOs for security, environmental and social problems. Today's episode finishes our conversation surrounding the challenges of the post-pandemic world. We discuss terrorism, "empty spaces", the social fabric and awareness in business and in public health. Please join us for an enlightening, informative and solution-seeking foray into this topic.

In our second episode, Efren (host, Chiefs of Station) and I continue our discussion on all things OSINT. We exchange views on diversity and inclusion in private sector intelligence, background checks in the hiring process for the industry, Latin America's private intel field (along with our personal stories), "old-school HUMINT in Mexico", the problem with 'perfect' data, and cartels as intelligence producers. Join us for a more laid back, conversational, engaging and thoughtful meeting of the minds between two intelligence aficionados!

In this week's episode, I conclude my conversation with Justin Bronk (Research Fellow at RUSI for Combat Airpower & Technology) regarding Combat Aviation in the United Kingdom. We discuss risk management with modern aircraft, the role of air forces within the context of mutually assured destruction (MAD), defence policy shifts, Russia, and finding a "global" Britain within what some might call an intervention-oriented rearmament programme. Join us for an in depth, striking and purposeful conversation on the RAF in 2021.

We are excited to present the first Episode of K-Voices, a platform which follows K-Enterprises' mission to provide holistic solutions for governments, businesses and NGOs for security, environmental and social problems. Today's episode showcases our conversation surrounding the challenges of the post-pandemic world, in terms of modernisation, security, terrorism and more. Please join us for an enlightening, informative and solution-seeking foray into this topic.

In our very first "Cast, Pod Cast", Efren (host, Chiefs of Station) and I set the playing field for this exciting series. We discuss our experiences as podcast hosts, our unique takes on the private intel world, the impact of podcasting on a nascent community, and some of the challenges posed to the private security world looking forwards. Join us for a more laid back, conversational, engaging and thoughtful meeting of the minds between two intelligence aficionados!

In this week's episode, Justin Bronk (Research Fellow at RUSI for Combat Airpower & Technology) discusses the past, present and future of the United Kingdom's Combat Aviation Brigades. I ask him about the different roles for support and attack helicopters, the implications of planned cuts to the budget, their role in the UK's long-term strategic vision, and the impact of the 2021 Integrated Review. Lastly, we go over what successful combat aviation scenarios of the future might look like.

In this week's episode, I conclude my talk with renowned criminologist Dr. Maria Alvanou (Ph.D., University of Trento) about the discrimination and abuse of marginalised groups during the covid-19 pandemic. We discuss the role that policy, law and policing play with their underlying causes. We also discuss the impacts of de-humanisation, re-humanisation and mediation as we approach a key turning point for the world that lies beyond the pandemic. Join us for a spectacular finish to our piercing conversation.

We discuss the wellbeing of women in Afghanistan, criminal justice and domestic abuse in the midst of the global covid-19 pandemic with Dr. Maria Alvanou.

In this week's episode, we conclude our conversation with Dr. Philip Reynolds (Ph.D, University of Hawai'i) on warfare between Western Liberal States and the Illiberal periphery.

In this week's podcast, we take a look at why Liberal States have been locked into conflict with the illiberal 'other' since the seeming defeat of totalitarianism in WW2.

The second part of M.I.Cynic's interview with Irfan Yar (Research Fellow and a member of the Advisory Board at the Global CT Institute) concludes our conversation about the future of Afghanistan, including points on the Taliban, terrorism and Afghan politics.

Irfan Yar, Research Fellow and a member of the Advisory Board at the Global CT Institute (USA), speaks to M.I.Cynic about Afghanistan ahead of the withdrawal of American forces.