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China
Xu Youming, the military intelligence chief who survives purges

As purges decimate China's military leadership, the head of military intelligence Xu Youming is weathering the storm. The quintessential shadow technocrat, who is unfailingly loyal, is Xi Jinping's indispensable eye on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

LogoSubscribers only 05.12.2025
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) guard of honour and the logo of the Intelligence Bureau of the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department.

China
Xu Youming, the military intelligence chief who survives purges

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) guard of honour and the logo of the Intelligence Bureau of the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) guard of honour and the logo of the Intelligence Bureau of the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department. © Liu Xu/Xinhua News Agency/Newscom/MaxPPP - Montage Indigo Publications

As purges decimate China's military leadership, the head of military intelligence Xu Youming is weathering the storm. The quintessential shadow technocrat, who is unfailingly loyal, is Xi Jinping's indispensable eye on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.

LogoSubscribers only 05.12.2025

Pakistan
Field Marshal Asim Munir becomes unexpected White House adviser on Iran

The Pakistani chief of army staff finds himself in an unexpected situation, where having built a relationship of trust with the Trump administration during the tensions with India earlier this year, he is now being asked by Washington to help with the Iranian issue.

LogoSubscribers only 21.11.2025
Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.

Pakistan
Field Marshal Asim Munir becomes unexpected White House adviser on Iran

Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir.
Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir. © Handout/Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)/AFP - Montage Indigo Publications

The Pakistani chief of army staff finds himself in an unexpected situation, where having built a relationship of trust with the Trump administration during the tensions with India earlier this year, he is now being asked by Washington to help with the Iranian issue.

LogoSubscribers only 21.11.2025

France
DGSE reformer Bernard Bajolet, from the Paris attacks to trial for intimidation

This month, former DGSE head Bernard Bajolet faces trial over the alleged intimidation of a controversial financier and marks 10 years since leading the service's response to the Paris attacks of 13 November 2015. Intelligence Online looks back at his time at "La Boîte".

LogoSubscribers only 07.11.2025
Bernard Bajolet was director of France's DGSE foreign intelligence service from 2013 to 2017.

France
DGSE reformer Bernard Bajolet, from the Paris attacks to trial for intimidation

Bernard Bajolet was director of France's DGSE foreign intelligence service from 2013 to 2017.
Bernard Bajolet was director of France's DGSE foreign intelligence service from 2013 to 2017. © Ludovic Marin/AFP

This month, former DGSE head Bernard Bajolet faces trial over the alleged intimidation of a controversial financier and marks 10 years since leading the service's response to the Paris attacks of 13 November 2015. Intelligence Online looks back at his time at "La Boîte".

LogoSubscribers only 07.11.2025

United States
Mark Warner, the senator warning that US intelligence is being out-teched by China

The White House's restrictions on congressional oversight, the erratic decisions of some officials and their impact on agencies' effectiveness, are causing concern in Congress, well beyond partisan divisions. The Senate Intelligence Committee vice-chair Mark Warner is trying to mobilise public opinion and elected officials over Donald Trump's intelligence policy.

LogoSubscribers only 24.10.2025
Democratic US Senator Mark Warner.

United States
Mark Warner, the senator warning that US intelligence is being out-teched by China

Democratic US Senator Mark Warner.
Democratic US Senator Mark Warner. © Michael Brochstein/Sipa USA/Reuters

The White House's restrictions on congressional oversight, the erratic decisions of some officials and their impact on agencies' effectiveness, are causing concern in Congress, well beyond partisan divisions. The Senate Intelligence Committee vice-chair Mark Warner is trying to mobilise public opinion and elected officials over Donald Trump's intelligence policy.

LogoSubscribers only 24.10.2025

South Korea
Lee Jong-seok, the academic driving South Korea's new security shift

The new spy chief's appointment signals more than a mere change of leadership. The former unification minister is the embodiment of President Lee Jae-myung's new foreign policy goals to keep channels open with China and North Korea while maintaining a balance with the United States.

LogoSubscribers only 10.10.2025
The director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Lee Jong-seok.

South Korea
Lee Jong-seok, the academic driving South Korea's new security shift

The director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Lee Jong-seok.
The director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Lee Jong-seok. © Yonhap News Agency/MaxPPP

The new spy chief's appointment signals more than a mere change of leadership. The former unification minister is the embodiment of President Lee Jae-myung's new foreign policy goals to keep channels open with China and North Korea while maintaining a balance with the United States.

LogoSubscribers only 10.10.2025

India
Parag Jain, the new head of Indian intelligence confronts Pakistan, China tensions

Secret operations, technological warfare, and regional rivalries... The new head of foreign intelligence is striving to make India a formidable player in the shadow war between Islamabad, Beijing, and the West.

LogoSubscribers only 26.09.2025
The logo of the Research & Analysis Wing and a view of New Delhi.

India
Parag Jain, the new head of Indian intelligence confronts Pakistan, China tensions

The logo of the Research & Analysis Wing and a view of New Delhi.
The logo of the Research & Analysis Wing and a view of New Delhi. © Pradeep Gaur/iStock - Montage Indigo Publications

Secret operations, technological warfare, and regional rivalries... The new head of foreign intelligence is striving to make India a formidable player in the shadow war between Islamabad, Beijing, and the West.

LogoSubscribers only 26.09.2025

Albania
Vlora Hyseni stakes out role for Albanian intelligence in global affairs

From Libyan migrants to Russian assaults and Iranian interference, Albania's small SHISH service is playing a role in some of the main security challenges facing Europe. Behind its rising influence is director Vlora Hyseni, the world's only intelligence chief to have headed the services of two different countries.

LogoSubscribers only 12.09.2025
Director of Albanian Intelligence Vlora Hyseni.

Albania
Vlora Hyseni stakes out role for Albanian intelligence in global affairs

Director of Albanian Intelligence Vlora Hyseni.
Director of Albanian Intelligence Vlora Hyseni. © U.S. Embassy Tirana/X

From Libyan migrants to Russian assaults and Iranian interference, Albania's small SHISH service is playing a role in some of the main security challenges facing Europe. Behind its rising influence is director Vlora Hyseni, the world's only intelligence chief to have headed the services of two different countries.

LogoSubscribers only 12.09.2025

Belarus
Ivan Tertel, Europe's most sought after spymaster

The tense talks between Moscow, Kyiv and Western powers have seen a return to the spotlight of Ivan Tertel, the KGB boss in Belarus. Tertel plays a central role in negotiations, acting as a point of contact between all parties with a stake in the war in Ukraine.

LogoSubscribers only 29.08.2025
Ivan Tertel, chief of the Belarusian state security service, KGB.

Belarus
Ivan Tertel, Europe's most sought after spymaster

Ivan Tertel, chief of the Belarusian state security service, KGB.
Ivan Tertel, chief of the Belarusian state security service, KGB. © Nikolai Petrov/Pool/EPA/Newscom/MaxPPP

The tense talks between Moscow, Kyiv and Western powers have seen a return to the spotlight of Ivan Tertel, the KGB boss in Belarus. Tertel plays a central role in negotiations, acting as a point of contact between all parties with a stake in the war in Ukraine.

LogoSubscribers only 29.08.2025

Poland
Karol Molenda, cyber architect and strategist on NATO's eastern flank

Polish cyber defence chief General Karol Molenda plays a key role in the armed forces' digital modernisation policy. A quiet strategist, he embraces AI and quantum cryptography and offensive doctrines against Russia's hybrid threats.

LogoSubscribers only 25.07.2025
Polish cyber defence chief General Karol Molenda.

Poland
Karol Molenda, cyber architect and strategist on NATO's eastern flank

Polish cyber defence chief General Karol Molenda.
Polish cyber defence chief General Karol Molenda. © Intelligence Online

Polish cyber defence chief General Karol Molenda plays a key role in the armed forces' digital modernisation policy. A quiet strategist, he embraces AI and quantum cryptography and offensive doctrines against Russia's hybrid threats.

LogoSubscribers only 25.07.2025

United States
Tom Cotton, US intelligence's cost-killer

Influential Republican senator Tom Cotton has proposed an ambitious intelligence reform that is likely to alter the balance created by the reorganisation that followed 9/11. The bill notably aims to reduce the capabilities of an already weakened Director of National Intelligence.

LogoSubscribers only 11.07.2025
Tom Cotton, chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee.

United States
Tom Cotton, US intelligence's cost-killer

Tom Cotton, chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee.
Tom Cotton, chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee. © Al Drago/Getty Images North America/AFP - Montage Indigo Publications

Influential Republican senator Tom Cotton has proposed an ambitious intelligence reform that is likely to alter the balance created by the reorganisation that followed 9/11. The bill notably aims to reduce the capabilities of an already weakened Director of National Intelligence.

LogoSubscribers only 11.07.2025

Syria
Ahmed al-Dalati, a shrewd strategist and expert secret negotiator

The recently appointed governor's rise in post-revolutionary Syria has been meteoric. New president Ahmed al-Sharaa has entrusted this former adversary, turned close ally, with the most delicate secret diplomatic missions.

LogoSubscribers only 27.06.2025
A rally in Damascus following a speech by President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, on 15 May 2025.

Syria
Ahmed al-Dalati, a shrewd strategist and expert secret negotiator

A rally in Damascus following a speech by President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, on 15 May 2025.
A rally in Damascus following a speech by President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, on 15 May 2025. © Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto/NurPhoto via AFP - Montage Indigo Publications

The recently appointed governor's rise in post-revolutionary Syria has been meteoric. New president Ahmed al-Sharaa has entrusted this former adversary, turned close ally, with the most delicate secret diplomatic missions.

LogoSubscribers only 27.06.2025

Taiwan
Joseph Wu, Taiwan's National Security Council chief weakened by spy scandal

The treason of a former assistant accused of spying for Beijing has tarnished the image of Joseph Wu, the director of Taiwan's intelligence coordination agency. With his position weakened, he is struggling to push through reforms needed for Taipei to deal with Chinese interference.

LogoSubscribers only 13.06.2025
Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and former foreign minister of Taiwan.

Taiwan
Joseph Wu, Taiwan's National Security Council chief weakened by spy scandal

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and former foreign minister of Taiwan.
Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) and former foreign minister of Taiwan. © Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA/MaxPPP

The treason of a former assistant accused of spying for Beijing has tarnished the image of Joseph Wu, the director of Taiwan's intelligence coordination agency. With his position weakened, he is struggling to push through reforms needed for Taipei to deal with Chinese interference.

LogoSubscribers only 13.06.2025

United Kingdom
Britain's top spy Richard Moore, the cool-headed Europhile at the head of MI6

Despite dealing with the fall-out from Brexit and the AUKUS controversy, Richard Moore has become a well-liked figure in Europe, a testament to both his diplomatic acumen and his skill as a spy master. But his tenure as "C", which is due to end this summer, has also been marked by unforced errors.

LogoSubscribers only 30.05.2025
Richard Moore, the outgoing head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service.

United Kingdom
Britain's top spy Richard Moore, the cool-headed Europhile at the head of MI6

Richard Moore, the outgoing head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service.
Richard Moore, the outgoing head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service. © Stefan Rousseau/Press Association Images/MaxPPP

Despite dealing with the fall-out from Brexit and the AUKUS controversy, Richard Moore has become a well-liked figure in Europe, a testament to both his diplomatic acumen and his skill as a spy master. But his tenure as "C", which is due to end this summer, has also been marked by unforced errors.

LogoSubscribers only 30.05.2025

France
Jérôme Léonnet, top dog at the French Intelligence Services Inspectorate

Commissioner Jérôme Léonnet heads a discreet institution within the French world of secrecy: the Intelligence Services Inspectorate. Léonnet held a succession of posts in the world of intelligence before taking the helm of this curious French administrative body, which carries out control, audit and inspection missions.

LogoSubscribers only 16.05.2025
Commissioner General of the French Police Jérôme Léonnet.

France
Jérôme Léonnet, top dog at the French Intelligence Services Inspectorate

Commissioner General of the French Police Jérôme Léonnet.
Commissioner General of the French Police Jérôme Léonnet. © Indigo Publications - 2025 / Aurelien Morissard/IP3 Press/MaxPPP

Commissioner Jérôme Léonnet heads a discreet institution within the French world of secrecy: the Intelligence Services Inspectorate. Léonnet held a succession of posts in the world of intelligence before taking the helm of this curious French administrative body, which carries out control, audit and inspection missions.

LogoSubscribers only 16.05.2025

Vatican
In papacy race, Zuppi and Parolin favoured by spies

Global tensions are waging in on the election of the next pope in a way not seen since the Cold War. Two popular candidates for Pope Francis's succession are particularly well versed in the world of intelligence.

Free access 02.05.2025
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (left) and Cardinal Pietro Parolin (right).

Vatican
In papacy race, Zuppi and Parolin favoured by spies

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (left) and Cardinal Pietro Parolin (right).
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (left) and Cardinal Pietro Parolin (right). © A.Giuliani/IPA via Zuma Press/Sipa USA/Reuters//F. Monheim/MaxPPP - Montage : Bénédicte Gouttebroze/Indigo Publications

Global tensions are waging in on the election of the next pope in a way not seen since the Cold War. Two popular candidates for Pope Francis's succession are particularly well versed in the world of intelligence.

Free access 02.05.2025

Ukraine
Illia Samoilenko, the Azov brigade's intelligence wizard

Illia Samoilenko, who fought in the infamous siege in Mariupol in 2022 and whose men know him by his nickname, 'Gandalf', is now head of intelligence for Ukraine's 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. Active on the battlefield against Moscow, he is just as active on the political scene, quietly preparing his rise to the Ukrainian parliament.

LogoSubscribers only 18.04.2025
Illia Samoilenko, known as Gandalf, heads intelligence for the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. In the background, the Azovstal factory in Mariupol during the siege in 2022.

Ukraine
Illia Samoilenko, the Azov brigade's intelligence wizard

Illia Samoilenko, known as Gandalf, heads intelligence for the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. In the background, the Azovstal factory in Mariupol during the siege in 2022.
Illia Samoilenko, known as Gandalf, heads intelligence for the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. In the background, the Azovstal factory in Mariupol during the siege in 2022. © Intelligence Online/Reuters

Illia Samoilenko, who fought in the infamous siege in Mariupol in 2022 and whose men know him by his nickname, 'Gandalf', is now head of intelligence for Ukraine's 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. Active on the battlefield against Moscow, he is just as active on the political scene, quietly preparing his rise to the Ukrainian parliament.

LogoSubscribers only 18.04.2025

United Kingdom
'Not an ordinary Special Adviser': Jonathan Powell, the veteran negotiator at the centre of Ukraine ceasefire plan

Arch-strategist Powell has got his wish and been thrust into the heart of peace negotiations. But the UK national security adviser's recent work makes him an ambiguous figure for the Trump administration, the main intermediary in the talks.

LogoSubscribers only 21.03.2025
The Ukrainian President's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak (right) and the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Powell, in Kyiv on 8 March 2025.

United Kingdom
'Not an ordinary Special Adviser': Jonathan Powell, the veteran negotiator at the centre of Ukraine ceasefire plan

The Ukrainian President's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak (right) and the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Powell, in Kyiv on 8 March 2025.
The Ukrainian President's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak (right) and the National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Powell, in Kyiv on 8 March 2025. © Official website of the President of Ukraine/Montage: Indigo Publications

Arch-strategist Powell has got his wish and been thrust into the heart of peace negotiations. But the UK national security adviser's recent work makes him an ambiguous figure for the Trump administration, the main intermediary in the talks.

LogoSubscribers only 21.03.2025

United Kingdom
Lord Beamish's quest to revitalise intelligence oversight

The former Labour MP Kevan Jones, known also as Lord Beamish, is the first member of the House of Lords to chair the Intelligence and Security Committee. Like his Tory predecessor at the ISC, he is hoping to boost the resources and independence of the committee.

LogoSubscribers only 07.03.2025
Kevan Jones, aka Lord Beamish, new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).

United Kingdom
Lord Beamish's quest to revitalise intelligence oversight

Kevan Jones, aka Lord Beamish, new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).
Kevan Jones, aka Lord Beamish, new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). © James Manning/Press Association Image/MaxPPP - Montage Indigo Publications

The former Labour MP Kevan Jones, known also as Lord Beamish, is the first member of the House of Lords to chair the Intelligence and Security Committee. Like his Tory predecessor at the ISC, he is hoping to boost the resources and independence of the committee.

LogoSubscribers only 07.03.2025

Malaysia
General Mohd Razali Alias, guardian of Malaysia's revamped military intelligence

Mohd Razali Alias's job as head of Malaysian military intelligence is focused on modernising the service and protecting his country's sovereignty, while also striking the right balance with the political powers that be.

LogoSubscribers only 21.02.2025
General Mohd Razali Alias, Director of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO).

Malaysia
General Mohd Razali Alias, guardian of Malaysia's revamped military intelligence

General Mohd Razali Alias, Director of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO).
General Mohd Razali Alias, Director of the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation (MDIO). © Mindef Malaysia/X

Mohd Razali Alias's job as head of Malaysian military intelligence is focused on modernising the service and protecting his country's sovereignty, while also striking the right balance with the political powers that be.

LogoSubscribers only 21.02.2025

Pakistan
From Indian counter-intelligence to the Taliban and Imran Khan, woes mount for Pakistan spymaster Asim Malik

General Asim Malik has headed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence for four months and is actively seeking to forge new alliances. Amid ongoing threats from neighbouring Afghanistan and India, he must also manage his powerful service's role at the heart of the domestic political game.

LogoSubscribers only 07.02.2025
Inter-Services Intelligence chief General Asim Malik.

Pakistan
From Indian counter-intelligence to the Taliban and Imran Khan, woes mount for Pakistan spymaster Asim Malik

Inter-Services Intelligence chief General Asim Malik.
Inter-Services Intelligence chief General Asim Malik. © Intelligence Online - 2025

General Asim Malik has headed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence for four months and is actively seeking to forge new alliances. Amid ongoing threats from neighbouring Afghanistan and India, he must also manage his powerful service's role at the heart of the domestic political game.

LogoSubscribers only 07.02.2025

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