The Cipher Brief

07/07/2025

Can President Trump Get a "Big, Beautiful" Deal in the Middle East?

Experts weigh in ahead of Israeli Prime Minister's Visit to the White House.

Experts weigh in ahead of Israeli Prime Minister's Visit to the White House

07/03/2025

The U.S. Has 40,000 Troops in the Middle East

Experts debate whether we need them all there in our latest.

Recent U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities have put American forces in the Middle East in the spotlight. .

07/02/2025

The Cipher Brief's Hottest Summer Reading

National security experts weigh in on the best books of the season

National security experts weigh in on the best books of the season

06/30/2025

Some spies write their stories after they retire. Others? They mix them into a cocktail.

In A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner's Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft, Rob Dannenberg and Joseph P. Mullin Jr. reveal the drinks that mattered—the ones that followed major operations, recruitment wins, and high-risk missions.

These are real stories from real officers, paired with cocktails you can make at home.

Check it out & grab one here
https://amzn.to/45HbMb4

06/30/2025

Beijing’s Rare Disclosure on DF-5B Missile Signals Shift in Nuclear Messaging.


So, what's the point?

China's unveiling of the upgraded DF-5B missile with multi-warhead capacity and extended range signals a significant shift in nuclear messaging. As tensions rise globally, what implications does this have for arms control and strategic stability? Stay informed with The Cipher Brief. ....

06/26/2025

If your bar skills stop at martinis (shaken, not stirred), maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner’s Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft, written by former senior Officer Rob Dannenberg in collaboration with former senior CIA officer Joe Mullin, offers a curated selection of must-try drink recipes, paired with a splash of real-life spy stories to enjoy between sips.

It’s a #1 bestseller on Amazon’s whiskey and alcoholic spirits charts, which makes it well worth raising a glass.


https://amzn.to/45HbMb4

06/25/2025

Behind every successful intelligence operation is a story—and sometimes, a really good cocktail.

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner's Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft, former officers Rob Dannenberg and Joseph P. Mullin Jr. reveal the drinks that marked the most unforgettable moments of their clandestine careers.

This isn’t fiction. These are the cocktails spies actually ordered when it mattered most.

Check out the new book that is available on Amazon now.


https://amzn.to/45HbMb4

06/24/2025

Following U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Gen. Petraeus joined The Cipher Brief to break down the military operation, the current state of Iran’s nuclear program, and the intelligence questions still unanswered.

This is the kind of analysis that decision-makers rely on.

Available now for Subscriber+ Members.

EXPERT INTERVIEW – Tehran’s response on Monday to U.S. attacks against its nuclear facilities over the weekend was measured and possibly calibrated to what appears to be growing impatience by U.S. President Donald Trump over demands for the country to give up its nuclear program. A social media ...

06/23/2025

Experts Assess Iran Strikes, Response and What Comes Next

A Quick Summary of What Cipher Brief Experts are Watching.

A Quick Summary of What Cipher Brief Experts are Watching

06/22/2025

Former Director General David Petraeus talks with Cipher Brief Publisher Suzanne Kelly about the next crucial task in following U.S. airstrikes against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

Former CIA Director General David Petraeus talks with Cipher Brief Publisher Suzanne Kelly about the next crucial task in Iran following U.S. airstrikes agai...

06/20/2025

How Resilient are Energy Markets in Times of Crisis?

The answer may surprise you, according to energy & Cipher Brief expert Norm Roule.

The answer may surprise you, according to energy expert Norm Roule

06/19/2025

We have a NEW episode of the Podcast out now.

Rare Earth minerals might not be at the top of your panic list today but when it comes to U.S. national security, it’s an issue that has the potential to have the greatest impact on both our way of life and our future security. It was on the agenda at the recent G7 meeting where world leaders agreed to prioritize a joint strategy to protect critical mineral supply chains. But is it too little, too late?

Tech executive and investor John Watters saw the signs of potential catastrophe years ago and is hitting the panic button with lawmakers and business leaders about just what’s at stake.


Check it out now:
https://www.thecipherbrief.com/podcasts/state-secrets