Greenland, Spies, Traitors, Book Recommendations, and a World on Edge | Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Serbia, and More on Restricted Handling

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read—covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Stay ahead of the news cycle. Today it's: Greenland. Davos. Russia. Espionage. Serbia. Ukraine. In this Ryan & Glenn–only episode of the Restricted Handling Podcast, the hosts break down a whirlwind week in global geopolitics, from President Trump's Davos speech and the Greenland controversy to Russia, Ukraine, China, and the legacy of one of the most damaging spies in U.S. history. Fresh off travel to Serbia, Glenn brings firsthand insight into the Balkans, great-power competition in Eastern Europe, and how countries caught between East and West navigate pressure from Moscow, Brussels, and Washington. The conversation then pivots to Aldrich Ames, whose death reignites hard lessons about betrayal, insider threats, and the human cost of espionage failures. Along the way, Ryan and Glenn also cover: Why Greenland suddenly matters—and what the U.S. may really want NATO, Arctic security, and whether allies are finally stepping up Iran's protests: stalled, paused, or still building? Russia's weakening position and what comes after a ceasefire China's quiet posture at Davos—and why that may be intentional Serbia's balancing act between NATO, Russia, and the EU Why betrayal inside intelligence organizations cuts deeper than anything else This episode is part geopolitical analysis, part intelligence tradecraft, and part real-world storytelling—without guests, without filters, and without headlines driving the narrative. If you want context instead of outrage—and experience instead of speculation—this episode is for you. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover: What Trump's Davos speech signals about Greenland and Arctic security Why Greenland became a flashpoint almost overnight NATO burden-sharing and European reactions Glenn's trip to Serbia and what it reveals about East–West competition The death of Aldrich Ames and lessons from one of the worst espionage betrayals ever Insider threats, loyalty, and how intelligence services fail Russia's position in Ukraine as pressure mounts China's strategic silence on the global stage Why geopolitics rarely moves in straight lines ⏱️ TIMELINE / CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Davos, Greenland & a Big Week 02:00 – Why Greenland Suddenly Matters 05:30 – NATO, Europe & Arctic Security 09:00 – Iran Protests: Pause or Pressure Cooker? 12:30 – Glenn's Trip to Serbia: East vs. West 15:45 – The Aldrich Ames Case: Betrayal Inside Intelligence 22:30 – Russia, Ukraine & What Comes After a Ceasefire 27:30 – China's Quiet Strategy at Davos 31:30 – Final Thoughts & What to Watch Next