Ex-Spy Chiefs on What to Watch for in 2026
Summary
This episode features former intelligence leaders discussing critical global threats. They delve into the complex Russia-China alliance, examining how China uses Russia's predicament for strategic advantage. The conversation also explores the impact of AI-driven disinformation and deepfakes on societal trust, as well as the escalating cyber threats to critical infrastructure. The panel further addresses the US approach to Venezuela's crisis, raising legal and constitutional concerns, before offering insightful geopolitical predictions for 2026, including potential regime changes and the future of the war in Ukraine.Episode description
This week, Sir Richard Dearlove, One Decision’s resident spymaster and former Chief of MI6, sits down for our annual Spy Chiefs roundtable. Tune into this wide-ranging conversation with distinguished former intelligence leaders as they examine global threats and hard choices facing Western governments. Joining Sir Richard are former CENTCOM Commander Gen. Joseph Votel and Andrew McCabe, former Deputy Director of the FBI. Together, they explore the challenges posed by Russia and China’s alliance of convenience, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, and address the disastrous impact of AI-created disinformation and deepfakes. The intelligence leaders also discuss Chinese espionage across Europe, cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and the growing vulnerability of these systems, and raise legal and constitutional concerns around the conflict in Venezuela. The episode ends with predictions for 2026, including potential regime changes in the Middle East and what's next for the war in Ukraine.
Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran.
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