CTG's Threat Intelligence Podcast

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.