The Global Risk Podcast

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers teachers’ protests in Mexico and the risk of disruption to the FIFA World Cup, Bolivia’s move towards a possible state of emergency, and violent unrest in Northern Ireland. We also assess Ukraine’s increasingly effective strike campaign against Russian logistics, renewed tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, protests in Kenya over a planned Ebola facility, security concerns in South Africa following a mass shooting in Johannesburg, renewed Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, and the aftermath of a major earthquake in the Philippines. Delivery supported by AI.

This week, Intelligence Analyst Joshua George examines the impact of the recent earthquake in the Philippines, including the implications for infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness. He also assesses the ongoing unrest in Bolivia, where protests and roadblocks continue to place pressure on the government and disrupt daily life.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Colombia’s presidential election runoff and the growing risk of militant violence, alongside Bolivia’s escalating political crisis and the prospect of a state of emergency. We also assess labour unrest in Portugal, the likelihood of further Russian strikes against Ukraine, Armenia’s parliamentary elections, the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, unrest risks in Somalia, protests in Kenya linked to an Ebola isolation centre, political uncertainty in Zimbabwe, and a fast-growing student-led protest movement in India. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers teachers’ protests in Mexico ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Colombia’s presidential election and associated security risks, and Bolivia’s preparations for a possible state of emergency. We also assess Russia’s unprecedented attack on Kyiv, the Turkish government’s latest moves against the opposition CHP, continuing US–Iran negotiations amid renewed exchanges of strikes, intensified Israeli operations in Lebanon, political tensions in Senegal, election-related risks in Guinea and Ethiopia, and a major militant attack on a train carrying Pakistani security personnel in Balochistan. Delivery supported by AI.

Large-scale protests continue across Bolivia, causing widespread disruption and exacerbating existing economic pressures. Manfredi Pozzoli examines what's driving the unrest and what the outlook could be in the weeks ahead.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing examines escalating anti-government protests in Bolivia, growing concerns over Ukrainian interceptor shortages as Russia intensifies its strike campaign, and the continuing diplomatic deadlock between the United States and Iran. We also assess the killing of a senior Islamic State leader in Nigeria, the expanding Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, fuel-price protests in Kenya and Comoros, proposed restrictions on foreign influence in Uganda, the risk of electricity disruptions in Johannesburg, and severe flooding across southern and central China. Delivery supported by AI.

Africa has become Islamic State’s most active operational theatre. In this episode, Intelligence Analyst Joshua George examines the group’s growing presence across the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Somalia, the DRC, and Mozambique, and what this could mean for regional stability and future security risks.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Cuba’s worsening fuel crisis and rising unrest risk, a targeted state of emergency in Belize, and escalating anti-government protests in Bolivia. We also assess large-scale Nakba Day demonstrations across Western Europe, a nationwide strike in Italy, renewed Russian offensive preparations in Ukraine, rising tensions between the United States and Iran, unrest risks in Somalia, escalating violence in eastern DRC, severe flooding in South Africa, a militant attack in Pakistan’s Bannu district, and post-election unrest in India’s West Bengal state. Delivery supported by AI.

Anti-migrant protests and vigilante violence are increasing in South Africa amid growing economic pressure and rising social tensions. Joshua George examines what’s driving the unrest and where risks could increase next.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Ecuador’s expanding curfews amid rising gang violence, Bolivia’s nationwide strike, and planned transport disruption in Belgium. We also assess the US troop withdrawal from Germany, Romania’s government collapse, escalation risks in Ukraine around Victory Day, unrest in Turkey, renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Israeli strikes in Beirut, rising anti-migrant violence in South Africa, the assassination of a prominent religious scholar in Pakistan, and disruption caused by activity at Mayon Volcano in the Philippines. Delivery supported by AI.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring millions of travellers across the US, Canada and Mexico. In this episode, Manfredi Pozzoli outlines the key risks - from crime and cyber threats to protest activity - and what they mean for those attending or operating around the event.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers an attempted assassination targeting US President Donald Trump, cartel-related violence in Mexico following key arrests, and a major bombing in Colombia ahead of elections. We also assess Ukraine’s continued strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, the growing deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz, a major militant offensive in Mali, protest risks in Chad, renewed attacks in northeastern Nigeria, a spike in piracy off Somalia, and renewed clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Delivery supported by AI.

Climate-linked disasters are becoming harder to predict and manage. In this episode, intelligence analyst Joshua George examines how gaps in preparedness, infrastructure and response are increasing operational and security risk.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers delays in Peru’s presidential election and rising protest risks, Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections, and Ukraine’s defence against intensified Russian offensives. We also assess the US extension of the Iran ceasefire, rising tensions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, protest risks in Kenya linked to fuel prices, a major earthquake in Japan and associated megaquake warnings, and the growing likelihood of El Niño in the Philippines and its potential regional impact. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Cuba’s worsening infrastructure crisis, Hungary’s election outcome, and the continued challenges of ceasefires in Ukraine. We also assess school shootings in Turkey, the fragile US–Iran ceasefire, a suspected Islamic State-linked attack in Algeria, labour unrest in northern India, and the early emergence of a high-intensity typhoon in the North Pacific. Delivery supported by AI.

An attack on the Israeli consulate in Istanbul has renewed concern over the threat to Israeli diplomatic personnel and linked sites abroad. Manfredi Pozzoli explains what happened and why it matters. 

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers an elevated Iranian threat environment in the United States, Hungary’s highly contested elections, and Ukraine’s expanding drone campaign. We also assess the attack on the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, the stability of the US–Iran ceasefire, continued Israeli operations in Lebanon, evolving risks across the Gulf, protest risks in Benin, unrest in India’s Manipur state, and disruption expected during Thailand’s Songkran festival. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers mass killings in Haiti driven by gang competition, Ukraine’s expanded strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, and rising tensions between the United States and Iran. We also assess threats to critical infrastructure across the Gulf, the Houthis’ entry into the conflict, political instability in Somalia, and protest risks in Nepal following the arrest of a former prime minister. Delivery supported by AI.

Uncertainty remains around Iran, with escalation risks and stalled diplomacy still in play. Meanwhile in Nigeria, coordinated suicide bombings in Maiduguri point to a potential resurgence in militant activity.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers large-scale protests in the United States, Ecuador’s anti-cartel operations, and a series of likely state-backed attacks targeting Jewish communities in Europe. We also assess Russia’s largest drone strike campaign in Ukraine, escalating Israeli operations in Lebanon, threats to critical infrastructure across the Gulf, rising tensions between Chad and Sudan, continued fighting in eastern DRC, the likely collapse of the Pakistan–Afghanistan ceasefire, the impact of the Strait of Hormuz disruption on Asia-Pacific, and new national security measures in Hong Kong. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Cuba’s deepening economic crisis and rising unrest risk, Ecuador’s expanded security operations, planned protests in Albania, growing pressure on Ukraine’s air defences, Israeli strikes targeting Iranian leadership and infrastructure, escalating attacks across the Gulf, renewed jihadist violence in Nigeria, the post-election outlook in the Republic of the Congo, a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul, and the expected impact of Cyclone Narelle in Australia. Delivery supported by AI.

The impact of the Iran conflict is being felt far beyond the region, with rising threats across Europe and North America. Meanwhile, a new US–Ecuador operation signals a shift in counter-cartel strategy in Latin America.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers attacks targeting US diplomatic offices linked to the Iran conflict, a joint US–Ecuador anti-cartel operation, and civilian casualties from anti-gang drone strikes in Haiti. We also assess Ukrainian counterattacks, the appointment of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Iranian attacks across the Gulf, Israel’s mobilisation along the Lebanon border, rising militant activity in the Sahel, protest risks in Guinea, and the evolving war between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers the increased terrorism threat in the United States following the outbreak of war with Iran, nationwide Bolsonaro rallies in Brazil, Ukrainian frontline advances, US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the resulting regional conflict, Israeli operations in Lebanon, Iranian attacks across the Gulf, Pakistan’s open conflict with the Afghan Taliban, and Shia protests across South Asia. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers cartel-related violence in Mexico following the death of a senior leader, a deadly maritime incident between Cuba and a Florida-registered vessel, intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian rail infrastructure, indications of potential US strike preparations against Iran, Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, and rising election tensions in Nepal. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers labour unrest in Argentina, escalating avalanche risks across the Alps, ongoing protests in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stalled Ukraine peace talks, rising US–Iran tensions amid an expanded US military posture, a social media ban in Gabon, and the post-election stability outlook in Bangladesh. Delivery supported by AI.

Cuba faces a deepening fuel and economic crisis, while military movements near Ethiopia’s Tigray region raise the risk of renewed conflict involving Eritrea. Our analysts break down the implications in this edition of Regional Flashpoints.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Cuba’s worsening fuel crisis, Haiti’s political transition and security restructuring, protests linked to Italy’s Winter Olympics, ongoing Ukraine–Russia negotiations alongside continued strikes, indirect US–Iran talks in Oman, rising Ethiopia–Eritrea tensions, a deadly Islamic State-aligned attack in Islamabad, and unrest risks surrounding Bangladesh’s elections. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers the US declaration of a national emergency over Cuba, record Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, direct US–Iran talks amid heightened military posturing, an Islamic State-linked attack on Niamey airport, mass-casualty Boko Haram violence in Nigeria, renewed clashes in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, and coordinated militant attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Delivery supported by AI.

Our intelligence team unpacks the strategic signals behind US–Iran military dynamics and what a failed attack near Niger’s capital means for regional risk.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers worsening fuel shortages and nationwide blackouts in Cuba, the first US–Russia–Ukraine trilateral talks since 2022, a disrupted Islamic State-linked plot in Azerbaijan, heightened US–Iran tensions following a major carrier deployment, escalating conflict risks in South Sudan, and new Nipah virus screening measures affecting travel across Asia-Pacific. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers devastating wildfires in Chile, Russia’s energy strikes on Ukraine amid diplomatic manoeuvring, major shifts in northeast Syria, continued unrest in Iran alongside a strengthened US military posture, deadly flooding across southern Africa, an ISKP attack targeting Chinese nationals in Kabul, and heightened insurgent threats in southern Thailand ahead of elections. Delivery supported by AI.

Following Uganda’s general election, concerns are mounting over violence, protests and the integrity of the vote. Joshua George outlines the latest developments and the risks ahead.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers US policy constraints on Venezuela, renewed protest risks in Bolivia, Russia’s missile strikes and energy attacks on Ukraine, uncertainty around the Gaza peace process, rising tensions between the US and Iran, election-related unrest in Uganda and Myanmar, and coordinated insurgent attacks in Thailand’s Deep South. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers the US operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, nationwide fuel protests in Bolivia, sabotage of power infrastructure in Germany, new security guarantees proposed for Ukraine, shifting alliances in Yemen, widespread unrest in Iran, election-related crackdowns in Uganda, and a surge in Chinese cyberattacks targeting Taiwan. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers escalating violence in Guatemala, election-related unrest risks in Honduras, and the United States’ de facto blockade on Venezuelan oil exports. We also assess disrupted terror plots in Europe, Ukraine peace talks, mass protests in Romania, an ISIS attack on US personnel in Syria, renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, and a deadly terrorist attack in Australia. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s briefing covers new US entry-screening proposals, increased US military pressure on Venezuela, mass farmers’ protests in Greece, the latest Ukraine peace negotiations, the STC’s major advances in Yemen, the attempted coup in Benin, and the AFC/M23 offensive near Uvira in the DRC. In Asia-Pacific, we assess the renewed border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Delivery supported by AI.

Two major protests swept Mexico in November - one in response to political violence, the other driven by security and economic concerns. Intelligence Analyst Manfredi Pozzoli breaks down the causes and what might come next.

This week’s briefing covers Honduras’s disputed election, a US ultimatum to Venezuela, major protests in Bulgaria, Russia’s advances in Ukraine, ceasefire violations in the DRC, and Tanzania’s planned 9 December “mega-protest”. In Asia-Pacific, we examine failed Afghanistan–Pakistan peace talks, Sri Lanka’s deadly flooding and severe regional storms across Southeast Asia. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Mexico’s nationwide transport blockade, election-related tensions in Honduras, and a new phase of US pressure on Venezuela. We also examine Belgium’s general strike, Ukraine’s revised peace proposal and mass strikes, Israel’s killing of a senior Hezbollah figure, and the coup in Guinea-Bissau. In Asia-Pacific, we assess Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan and widespread flooding across Thailand and Malaysia. Delivery supported by AI.

In this episode of Regional Flashpoints, Joshua George covers rising political tensions in Tanzania and Cameroon, where upcoming protests and disputed elections are shaping the short-term risk outlook.

This week’s briefing covers violent unrest in Mexico City, renewed militant threats in Colombia, and rising US pressure on Venezuela. We also examine suspected Russian sabotage in Poland, a reported peace proposal for Ukraine, political tensions in Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau, and major developments across Asia-Pacific - including Bangladesh’s sentencing of Sheikh Hasina, severe flooding in Vietnam, and nationwide protests in the Philippines. Delivery supported by AI.

Gen Z protest movements are reshaping how political pressure plays out—from digital organising to decentralised disruption. In this episode, Joshua George explains what sets them apart and why they matter for organisations tracking global risk.

This week’s briefing covers US carrier movements near Venezuela, Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid, Syria’s anti-ISIS operations, Iraq’s post-election uncertainty, terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Delhi, unrest in Bangladesh, and fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Mexico’s anti-cartel unrest, rising US–Venezuela tensions, Ukraine’s critical defence in Pokrovsk, Mali’s fuel blockade, and the devastation of Typhoon Kalmaegi across Southeast Asia. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, unrest in Brazil, the battle for Pokrovsk, instability in Mali and Sudan, and renewed tensions in Afghanistan and Vietnam. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers rising US-Colombia tensions, possible US strikes in Venezuela, the collapse of US-Russia talks, renewed al-Qaeda activity in Yemen, and fragile Afghanistan–Pakistan peace efforts. Delivery supported by AI.

This week’s Global Intelligence Briefing covers US pressure on Venezuela, unrest in Belgium, Moscow’s reserve mobilisation, Hamas’s crackdown in Gaza, and deadly clashes on the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. Delivery supported by AI.

Cameroon’s presidential election was held on 12 October—but with no confirmed results and both sides claiming victory, tensions remain high. In this episode, Intelligence Analyst Joshua George explores what’s driving political frustration, how youth disillusionment is shaping the risk landscape, and what to watch as the situation unfolds.

This episode of Regional Flashpoints covers growing unrest in Madagascar, deepening political instability in France, and the ripple effects of a US government shutdown.