The World of Intelligence

As tensions across the Middle East continue to reshape regional security dynamics, what does the conflict involving Iran reveal about China's strategic ambitions?

In this episode of the Janes World of Intelligence podcast, host Sean Corbett is joined by Janes analysts Claire Chu and Sasha Chopenko to examine the evolving relationship between China and Iran, and how recent events are influencing Beijing's approach to diplomacy, security, trade, and regional influence. Together, they explore the strategic value of the partnership, China's carefully calibrated response to the conflict, and the challenges of balancing relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf states.

The discussion also examines what China may be learning from modern conflicts, from sanctions resilience and energy security to military modernisation, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and the growing importance of long-term strategic endurance. Finally, the speakers assess how Beijing's relationship with Iran could evolve in the years ahead, and what the implications may be for the wider international order.

NATO allies have committed to ambitious defence spending goals, but funding alone does not create military capability.

In this episode, Janes analysts Guy Anderson and Andrew MacDonald join Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale to assess what the latest NATO Summit reveals about the alliance's progress towards greater readiness, resilience and deterrence. Together, they examine defence investment trends, industrial capacity, collaborative procurement and the economic realities that could shape future outcomes.

The conversation explores where progress is being made, where risks remain, and what industry should watch as governments seek to translate political commitments into meaningful capability.

In this episode of World of Intelligence, Cristina Varriale and Sean Corbett are joined by Major General Dominic Goulet, Deputy Director for Commonwealth Integration at the US Defense Intelligence Agency, and retired Major General John Howard, former Chief of Defence Intelligence for the New Zealand Defence Force. Together, they explore the future of intelligence, the role of AI in analysis, the growing importance of unclassified intelligence, and what intelligence leaders must do to adapt to an era defined by disruption, speed and information abundance.

In this episode of The World of Intelligence, we delve into the pressing issue of energy security in the context of recent global disruptions.

Joined by Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, we explore the current landscape of energy supply chains and the geopolitical factors at play, particularly in oil and gas markets. Ben provides insights into the unprecedented shock stemming from the Gulf region, the implications for countries reliant on these energy resources, and the complex adjustments markets are making in response. We also discuss the longer-term impacts of these disruptions on energy consumption patterns and the potential for a renewed focus on alternative energy sources.

Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that sheds light on the intricacies of energy security and its critical significance for global stability.

China’s naval capabilities are expanding at pace — but scale alone does not equal power. In this episode of The World of Intelligence, Janes analyst Mike Plunkett, Senior Naval Platforms joins Sean Corbett and Cristina Varriale to examine what the rapid modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army Navy really means for regional stability and global security.

Drawing on unclassified intelligence, satellite imagery and long term capability assessment, the discussion explores how China has moved from a coastal defence force to a modern fleet with global ambitions. The episode unpacks the drivers behind this transformation — from Taiwan and regional deterrence to economic security and global prestige — and assesses where capability outpaces operational credibility.