How to think like an intelligence analyst | John Hall

How is artificial intelligence changing warfare, and what happens when algorithms become part of the decision-making process behind military strikes? In this episode of The Intelligence Spotlight, host Liam J. Kelly speaks with Nabih Bulos, Middle East Bureau Chief of the Los Angeles Times, about the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern conflicts and the challenges it presents for journalists, intelligence analysts and civilians. Drawing on more than a decade of reporting from Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Ukraine, Bulos explores how AI-assisted targeting, surveillance networks and autonomous drones are transforming the battlefield. The conversation also examines Israel's use of AI-assisted intelligence systems, the implications for civilian casualties and military accountability, and how synthetic media and online influence operations are complicating the verification of information from conflict zones.

In this episode of The Intelligence Spotlight, John Hall joins Qais Alamdar to discuss what really turns information into intelligence. From OSINT and investigative journalism to satellite imagery, AI and conflict analysis, John explains why finding information is only the beginning, and why the real question is always: “so what?”

In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight, host Qais Alamdar speaks with Olivia Pirie-Griffiths about journalism, open-source investigation, information integrity and the growing overlap between public trust and national security.Olivia has worked across press freedom, journalism and information integrity, including with the Centre for Information Resilience. She is now studying National Security Studies at the Department of War Studies at King’s College London.#Journalism #OSINT #InformationIntegrity #PressFreedom #NationalSecurity #Disinformation #OpenSourceIntelligence #AI #MediaFreedom #IntelligenceSpotlight

In this episode of The Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar speaks with Dr Berit Ebert, a political scientist and academic specialising in European Union law, with a particular focus on gender equality, democracy, and the rule of law. Dr Ebert is a faculty member at Bard College Berlin, a liberal arts university in Berlin, where she also serves as Director of Public Programs and Strategic Initiatives. Together, they discuss the European Union’s core values, the pressures facing democracy across Europe, the rule of law, migration, political polarisation, information warfare, and the limits of EU foreign policy in moments of international crisis. From Hungary and Poland to wider questions of trust, rights, and institutional resilience, this episode examines whether the EU can still defend its foundational principles in practice, not just on paper.

In this episode of the Intelligent Spotlight organisation series, Viktoria Waldvogel hosts Alba Tobella, a seasoned journalist and co-founder of Verificat, Catalonia's first independent fact-checking organization. They explore how disinformation impacts democracies, the evolution of fact-checking, and the role of AI and social media in the fight against fake news.

In this episode of Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar speaks with Kate Millar, an intelligence and communications specialist, about how modern conflict is increasingly shaped in the grey zone, where states and non-state actors pursue strategic aims while staying below the clearest legal thresholds. They unpack why attribution has become the central battleground for accountability, and why OSINT has grown from a niche practice into a public-facing tool used to close the gap between what is suspected and what can be proven. The conversation looks at the limits of international law in hybrid warfare, the difference between evidence and usable proof, and why context matters as much as verification in open-source investigations. Millar argues for a purpose-driven approach to OSINT: not just collecting material, but building narratives and evidentiary chains that can survive scrutiny and lead to consequences. She also reflects on the grassroots energy that pushed OSINT forward, particularly as trust in traditional institutions has frayed, and closes with thoughts on where the field is heading and what keeps practitioners committed to difficult work.Note: Intel Focus is run entirely by volunteers. If you’d like to support our work, contact us at [email protected]

In this episode of Intelligence Spotlight, host Qais Alamdar speaks with Gergana Krasteva, a freelance foreign correspondent, about the evolving landscape of journalism, the challenges freelancers face, and the importance of ethics in reporting. They explore the economics of journalism, the art of storytelling, and the mental challenges reporters encounter. Gergana shares her insights on the future of journalism and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing media environment.00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Journalism01:18 Personal Journeys in Journalism03:26 Challenges in Modern Journalism06:43 Understanding Freelance Journalism10:42 The Why Behind Journalism12:45 The Stories That Go Untold14:47 Safety and Access in Reporting17:30 Funding and Its Influence on Journalism20:52 The Art of Pitching Stories23:11 The Art of Storytelling in Journalism27:25 Adapting to New Information31:29 Navigating Ethical Challenges in Reporting34:20 The Unseen Risks of Journalism38:08 The Future of Journalism: Ethics and Adaptabilityemail: [email protected]: www.intelfocus.org

In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight, Baptiste Robert, an ethical hacker and founder of Predictor Lab, discusses the nuances of hacking, the importance of ethical frameworks, and the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in modern investigations. He shares his journey from a grey hat hacker to an entrepreneur, emphasising the responsibilities that come with hacking skills. The discussion also covers the ethical considerations in developing investigative tools, the personal impact of working in OSINT, and the future of cybersecurity, highlighting the need for collaboration between the private and public sectors to foster innovation and skill development.Note: Intel Focus is run fully independently, voluntarily and has no revenue streams. Consider supporting us, our email: [email protected]:00:00 Understanding Hacking: Beyond Malice01:28 The Role of Ethical Hacking02:00 Baptiste Robert: Journey from Hacker to Entrepreneur09:58 The Birth of Predictor Lab14:08 The Importance of OSINT in Investigations17:51 Building Tools for Ethical Use20:55 Ethical Considerations in Tool Development30:07 The Personal Impact of OSINT Work35:00 Mistakes Beginners Make in OSINT and Ethical Hacking38:53 The Future of Cybersecurity and OSINT

In this conversation, Gemma Terés Arilla discusses the challenges and lessons learned in independent journalism, particularly in the context of leadership, networking, and the impact of censorship. She emphasises the importance of local journalism in rebuilding trust and the need to break away from clichéd narratives in reporting on global issues. The discussion also touches on the role of emergency fellowships in supporting journalists at risk and the interconnectedness of global stories. You can also apply for the fully-funded Rest & Resilience Fellowship announced by Taz Panter Foundation, the deadline is January 15, 2026: https://taz.de/taz-panter-stiftung/rest-resilience-fellowship/!v=2c0b2d3c-7081-46a5-9256-f9fb6ebf81f2/ Note: Intel Focus is run fully independently, voluntarily and has no revenue streams. Consider supporting us, our email: [email protected]

In this episode, Qais Alamdar and Alice Echtermann explore the pressing issue of disinformation, particularly in the context of Germany. They discuss the evolving landscape of misinformation, the challenges faced by fact-checkers, and the role of technology, especially AI, in exacerbating these issues. Alice shares insights from her work in investigating scams related to humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for media literacy and the shared responsibility of platforms, journalists, and the public in combating disinformation. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of fact-checking and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age.00:00 The Impact of Disinformation03:16 Awareness vs. Capability in Spotting Disinformation06:00 Emerging Threats in the Age of AI10:15 Challenges in Fact-Checking Today11:24 Shared Responsibility in Information Dissemination14:15 Strengthening Media Literacy and Journalism16:31 Investigating the Gaza Donation Scam20:23 The Complexity of Humanitarian Scams25:03 Identifying Red Flags in Donations28:12 Balancing Empathy with Verification32:37 Teaching Media Literacy to Younger Audiences