One Decision

In this special year-end episode of One Decision, host Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, welcomes a panel featuring Sabrina Singh, former Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary and senior official in the Biden administration, and Jim Sciutto, CNN’s Chief National Security Analyst and anchor of The Brief. They assess the year 2025, which has been arguably one of the most disruptive years in modern foreign policy. The conversation begins addressing global instability, technological change driven by AI, and a shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, and how this shift has shaken allied confidence and raised doubts about U.S. commitments. The panel examines Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran-backed groups across the region, the collapse of the Assad regime, and U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The panel also discusses U.S policy with Ukraine and Russia, the perceived willingness to pressure Ukraine into giving up territory and what that could mean for European security and the ability to deter future aggression. The episode wraps with reflections on the year’s most bizarre moments and the enduring role of political humor and satire during times of geopolitical change. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Christina Ruffini and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, dive into a very controversial and perplexing mystery, Havana Syndrome. The hosts break down a range of surveillance devices possibly used in Havana, Cuba, against U.S diplomats and embassy staffers, and explore whether foreign rivals like Russia, China, or Cuba could be responsible. Sir Richard speaks on his intelligence experience, providing real-world examples of Cold War espionage, including Soviet listening devices hidden in embassy walls, and how the accidental use of a laser beam allowed for the interception of private conversations. They examine how advanced eavesdropping tools and listening devices might unintentionally harm U.S. officials and whether the government has done enough to investigate cases or support those affected with long-term trauma.  Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, guest host Mary Alice Parks and Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, sit down with Jon Czin, former Director for China at the National Security Council and current Chair of Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. In this conversation, the group explores China's growing confidence and its shift from defensive to offensive strategy under the second Trump administration. They examine China's economic posturing, including Xi Jinping's reluctance to craft a stimulus package, Beijing's confidence in its technological advancements, and why tariffs have failed to gain the leverage Washington expected. They also examine the tension between Trump's trade-focused approach and U.S. lawmakers security concerns. The group debates whether China’s assertiveness reflects genuine strength or hides deeper vulnerabilities in its political and economic system, and questions what China’s recent confidence could mean for a potential Taiwan invasion in 2027. The conversation also looks at how China’s rise is shaping global order, including Europe's increasing dependence on China and the risks that come with it, and considers whether the West is truly prepared for what lies ahead. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Leo Sidran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of One Decision In Brief, hosts Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, former MI6 Chief, assess the most recent face-to-face talks between the US and President Zelensky. They examine what we actually know about the framework of a potential agreement, including the NATO membership being taken off the table, what security guarantees for Ukraine would look like in its absence, why Ukraine may be publicly softening its rhetoric, and how that strategy could work in its favor. The discussion continues with a look at Western intelligence and military support, as Sir Richard outlines what he sees as the most serious obstacle to this peace deal. Kate and Sir Richard then raise concerns about the influence of Donald Trump and the risks of questioning Zelensky’s presidential legitimacy while pushing for an election during times of war. And the hosts look at Switzerland’s subtle announcement indicating a change of its security policy. Episode produced by Situation Room Studios. Original music composed and produced by Situation Room Studios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Decision, guest host Rosanna Lockwood and Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of Britain's MI6 sit down with Ambassador Mike Sfraga, the first U.S. Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, to examine one of the world’s most rapidly changing regions, the Arctic.  Ambassador Sfraga, currently Chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, starts the discussion by outlining the seven forces reshaping the high north including rapid climate change, shipping strategies, and a desire for access among military global powers. The conversation explores the impact of Finland and Sweden joining NATO, shifting the balance of power along the northern region, complicating Russia’s long-term strategic goals. The group further unpacks Russia’s extensive militarization across the Arctic, including new bases, island fortifications, and the significance of its Northern Fleet on the Kola Peninsula. Ambassador Sfraga further explains why the Bering Strait is becoming one of the world’s most important corridors  and why the U.S. needs infrastructure investments to challenge both Russia and China’s influence. The discussion also details the speed of Arctic warming and the effects on global weather systems, coastal communities, food security, fisheries, and even catastrophic storms now reaching Alaska. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices