On this week’s One Decision In Brief, host Kate McCann is joined by co-host and former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace to examine the fallout of the United States’ military raid in Caracas, Venezuela, which led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Sir Ben explains the military execution of the operation, why it achieved its goals, and how it differs from past conflicts with China or Russia. Kate and Ben also consider whether the move points to a wider strategic approach by Donald Trump or to a greater desire to use similar tactics against other countries. The discussion explores the potential consequences for Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland, as well as Europe's response. They question whether the UK and its allies are showing enough strength and determination, and why Greenland could become a new point of tension between Europe, the United States, and Russia. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, examine the security risks posed by major Chinese companies like Alibaba. The hosts discuss a recent White House memo alleging that Alibaba provided tech support for Chinese military operations against countries, including the US. They explore what China’s national security laws mean for data access and the dangers posed by its infrastructure control. They also discuss the UK’s experience with Huawei and Europe's concern about commercial dependencies on China. The episode sheds light on the case of imprisoned Hong Kong Democracy activist and British national Jimmy Lai, raising questions about how the West should further engage with Beijing. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special year-end episode of One Decision, host Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, welcomes a panel featuring Sabrina Singh, former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary and senior official in the Biden administration, and Jim Sciutto, CNN’s Chief National Security Analyst and anchor of The Brief. They assess the year 2025, which has been arguably one of the most disruptive years in modern foreign policy. The conversation begins addressing global instability, technological change driven by AI, and a shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, and how this shift has shaken allied confidence and raised doubts about U.S. commitments. The panel examines Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran-backed groups across the region, the collapse of the Assad regime, and U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The panel also discusses U.S policy with Ukraine and Russia, the perceived willingness to pressure Ukraine into giving up territory and what that could mean for European security and the ability to deter future aggression. The episode wraps with reflections on the year’s most bizarre moments and the enduring role of political humor and satire during times of geopolitical change. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, dive into a very controversial and perplexing mystery, Havana Syndrome. The hosts break down a range of surveillance devices possibly used in Havana, Cuba, against U.S diplomats and embassy staffers, and explore whether foreign rivals like Russia, China, or Cuba could be responsible. Sir Richard speaks on his intelligence experience, providing real-world examples of Cold War espionage, including Soviet listening devices hidden in embassy walls, and how the accidental use of a laser beam allowed for the interception of private conversations. They examine how advanced eavesdropping tools and listening devices might unintentionally harm U.S. officials and whether the government has done enough to investigate cases or support those affected with long-term trauma.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, guest host Mary Alice Parks and Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, sit down with Jon Czin, former Director for China at the National Security Council and current Chair of Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. In this conversation, the group explores China's growing confidence and its shift from defensive to offensive strategy under the second Trump administration. They examine China's economic posturing, including Xi Jinping's reluctance to craft a stimulus package, Beijing's confidence in its technological advancements, and why tariffs have failed to gain the leverage Washington expected. They also examine the tension between Trump's trade-focused approach and U.S. lawmakers security concerns. The group debates whether China’s assertiveness reflects genuine strength or hides deeper vulnerabilities in its political and economic system, and questions what China’s recent confidence could mean for a potential Taiwan invasion in 2027. The conversation also looks at how China’s rise is shaping global order, including Europe's increasing dependence on China and the risks that come with it, and considers whether the West is truly prepared for what lies ahead. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, assess the most recent face-to-face talks between the US and President Zelensky. They examine what we actually know about the framework of a potential agreement, including the NATO membership being taken off the table, what security guarantees for Ukraine would look like in its absence, why Ukraine may be publicly softening its rhetoric, and how that strategy could work in its favor. The discussion continues with a look at Western intelligence and military support, as Sir Richard outlines what he sees as the most serious obstacle to this peace deal. Kate and Sir Richard then raise concerns about the influence of Donald Trump and the risks of questioning Zelensky’s presidential legitimacy while pushing for an election during times of war. And the hosts look at Switzerland’s subtle announcement indicating a change of its security policy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Situation Room Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, guest host Rosanna Lockwood and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6 sit down with Ambassador Mike Sfraga, the first U.S. Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, to examine one of the world’s most rapidly changing regions, the Arctic.  Ambassador Sfraga, currently Chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, starts the discussion by outlining the seven forces reshaping the high north including rapid climate change, shipping strategies, and a desire for access among military global powers. The conversation explores the impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO, shifting the balance of power along the northern region, complicating Russia’s long-term strategic goals. The group further unpacks Russia’s extensive militarization across the Arctic, including new bases, island fortifications, and the significance of its Northern Fleet on the Kola Peninsula. Ambassador Sfraga further explains why the Bering Strait is becoming one of the world’s most important corridors  and why the U.S. needs infrastructure investments to challenge both Russia and China’s influence. The discussion also details the speed of Arctic warming and the effects on global weather systems, coastal communities, food security, fisheries, and even catastrophic storms now reaching Alaska. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, take a deep look at the surprising rise of Ahmed al-Shura, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jalani, from extremist militant and former Abu Ghraib prisoner to the new president of Syria after the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The discussion examines the collapse of the Assad regime and Ahmed Al-Shura’s rise to power. The conversation also sheds light on the international intelligence behind the scenes of al-Shura's rise, including Israel’s military aid, the U.K.'s involvement, and what the U.S. actually knew as the events started to unfold. Finally, they examine the difficulty of running a country like Syria and whether al-Shura can survive the political, ethnic, and religious tightrope he now walks. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, are joined by Venezuela expert Phil Gunson, Senior Analyst for the International Crisis Group.  In this conversation, the hosts discuss the new pressure campaign the Trump administration has placed on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his regime, including the recent air strikes on drug boats off the Venezuelan coast. Gunson, who lives in Caracas, Venezuela, explains how Cuban intelligence continues to help Maduro maintain control over Venezuela and its military, why the military sees no benefit in turning against Maduro, and how gold mining and evading sanctions keep the regime financially afloat. The conversation explores why Maduro's dictatorship continues to endure, the divided Venezuelan opposition, and the risks of the next dangerous power struggle if Maduro falls. Gunson also shares vivid insights into daily life in Caracas, from blackouts to food shortages, and shares his thoughts on what it would take for Venezuela to move toward democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, break down the latest meeting in Florida between U.S. and Ukrainian officials and lay out the expectations for Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff's upcoming trip to Moscow, Russia and the likelihood that a peace deal will be negotiated. They also discuss NATO's preparations to potentially confront Russia and whether Germany could replace the United States and take the lead in NATO.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, are joined by Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia during the Obama administration. In this conversation, McFaul breaks down President Donald Trump’s proposed 28-point peace deal for Ukraine and what it means for American and European security. McFaul also brings personal insight, reflecting on his time watching Vladimir Putin up close, from meeting him in 1991 when he first entered politics to becoming the increasingly paranoid dictator he is today. Plus, McFaul dissects China's precarious geopolitical position, caught between its strategic partnership with Russia and their need to avoid conflict with the U.S., and what a win for Ukraine would mean not just for halting Putin's army, but also for possibly creating the first real opening in years for political change inside the Kremlin. Michael McFaul’s new book, Autocrats vs Democrats: China, Russia, America and the New Global Disorder, out now: https://t.co/fLOoG1j8me Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, break down President Donald Trump's proposed 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. The plan includes Ukraine ceding territory to Russia and never becoming a NATO member state. Ruffini and Dearlove discuss what this plan means not only for Ukrainian security, but also European and American security, and how Europe is pushing back on the plan. Plus, the hosts examine Trump’s warm reception of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and what this could signify for the future of the U.S.'s relationship with the Middle East Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of One Decision, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Ben Wallce, former UK Defence Secretary, sit down for a conversation with Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former Ukraine Minister of Defence. Zagorodnyuk reveals how Russia is revolutionizing warfare with rapid weapons innovation and how Ukraine is adjusting to these changes to stay in the fight. They discuss Vladimir Putin's motives for continued aggression, including his vision for Crimea and how Ukraine's defense technology has changed the landscape of modern warfare. They also question whether NATO is prepared for a Russian attack and explore the ramifications of the war on the West and its allies. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary, break down President Donald Trump's latest moves in Venezuela, including threatening military strikes and offering Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a chance for talks. The two consider the regional consequences of military action, including Cuba's political reliance on Venezuela and the Latin American drug supply chain. Sir Ben shares how Venezuelan and Colombian drug operatives are now learning high-stakes defense technology. Plus, Kate asks Sir Ben whether the UK Prime Minister should ask Trump not to sue the BBC, and if Trump should be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, sit down with Mohamed El-Erian, renowned economist and the Rene M. Kern Practice Professor of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss how President Donald Trump's tariff policies have shifted the landscape of geo-economics, as countries struggle to adapt to US trade policies. They also examine the state of the US dollar and whether its position as the leading reserve currency may be at risk. Plus, how AI will change the global economy and how a universal basic income could protect against drastic labor impacts. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, discuss the BBC's latest crisis after President Donald Trump threatened the broadcaster with legal action over their January 6 documentary. The BBC's coverage of issues such as Israel's role in the war in Gaza, trans rights, climate change, and more have come under fire, forcing top executives to resign. Plus, the hosts examine Vladimir Putin's close aid, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov's recent withdrawal from the public and what that signals about Russia's leadership. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, are joined by Corey Hinderstein, former deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration. As an expert on nuclear weapons and testing, Hinderstein breaks down President Trump's latest comments that the United States will resume testing of its nuclear weapons and what that means for foreign adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea. She lays out the significance of a robust nuclear weapons state and the responsibilities attached, and what the process of testing actually entails. Plus, Hinderstein shares the story of when she first located the nuclear centrifuge facility in Natanz, Iran and how it shaped the legacy of the JCPOA.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6, unpack President Donald Trump's recent comments on possible military intervention in Nigeria. They examine the political crises taking hold in the Sahel region, including the alleged genocide of Nigerian Christians and militant insurgencies from groups like Boko Haram and ISIS. Plus, they discuss the broader role the United States plays in dissolving other national conflicts in African countries like Sudan and Mali. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, hosts Christina Ruffini and former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove are joined by Liza Tobin, former China Director at the National Security Council under both the Biden and Trump administrations. They discuss China’s takeover of the rare earth mineral market and whether America and its allies are too far behind when it comes to reducing reliance on Beijing’s critical resources. They also examine the impact of the West’s influence on semiconductor production and what the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could mean for the U.S.’s dependence on Chinese rare earth elements Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices