Fresh from Senate Estimates ASIO Chief Mike Burgess doubled down last week with the ASIO Annual Threat Assessment. Terrorism is waning, espionage is rising, a "hive" of spies was uncovered and Australia's spooks working harder than ever before. We take a little study tour of what ASIO is up to, along with an brief look at Sleepy Joe's train ride to Ukraine and the unhinged rhetoric coming from Vladimir Putin's pep rallies. This podcast is so busy it's feels like a hand-to-hand combat!

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ASIO Chief Mike Burgess made a flying visit to Senate Estimates last week but despite the brevity, he had a lot to say. This week we unpack it, from the increase in religious extremism, to the placement of Chinese cameras in government buildings and a possible Chinese police station in Sydney strong-arming the local diaspora. Oh and yeah, there’s more balloons floating around, but curiously not here. Never a dull moment when dealing with spooks!

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The world was confused, bemused and downright confounded when a giant balloon was spotted soaring over the continental US on a path that took it across the country (and over a number of military installations) before it was brought down with a sidewinder missile. Turns out this isn't new as balloons have had a proud history of use by military and intelligence organisations around the world. So was it a weather balloon as the Chinese claim, or an intelligence platform as the US believe? What advantages do balloons have in reconnaissance? And just how important is Helium to national security? Lots to ponder when decorating your child's next birthday party after this weeks ep!

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Last ep we looked at the right wing "SovCit" phenomenon in Australia. This ep we conclude our interview with the Oz's Jack the Insider and look at what we can do about it. Are our security and police organisations up to the challenge? How did the anti-vax movement become embroiled in the rise of right wing radicalisation? And what can we do to help turn down the heat? Be prepared to apologise to that crazy relative who keeps posting articles by Pete Evans!

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We're back for 2023, bigger and better than ever.
With 2022 ending with the tragic shooting at Wieambilla, what better topic to delve into than the growing rise of right wing radicalism and the SovCit movement in Australia? With a topic this big we've decided to bring in an expert: Oz journalist and charming gadabout Jack the Insider.
So why is right wing radicalisation on the rise? Who or what is turning up the heat on Australia's cookers? And what can we and our intelligence services do about it?
Keep your copy of the Magna Carta handy this week!

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In this last summer bite-size we have a look at what we might be talking about this year. Ukraine (definitely), Indonesia (very likely), Taiwan (for sure), North Korea (what would we joke about without Kim Jong Un?), the US (Trump is still hanging around like a fart in a lift), the rise of the right wing here at home (sadly, this isn’t going away either) but did you have China V. India on your bingo card? Yep, it looks like we’ll have lots to talk about!

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Throughout history, cities across the globe have been the nexus of intelligence activity - Berlin, London, Moscow, Beirut: each with their unique rules and idiosyncrasies. And now there is a new hub for international skulduggery: Dubai. Yes, the plucky little emirate is fast becoming the place where dark deals and deeds are done.

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Just when you thought things were calming down this Xmas, Germany and Peru became hotbeds of intrigue when coups to overthrow the government were exposed, both for very different reasons. Who were the plotters? What did they hope to achieve? And is this a taste of what’s to come in 2023?

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Welcome to 2023! Before we get back into the nitty gritty of the global intelligence community, it’s time for everyone to feast their eyes on the cornucopia of spy fiction available on any number of streaming platforms. From Prime Video’s 3rd season of Jack Ryan, to Britbox’s treatment of the Philby affair in Spy Among Friends to the rollicking star-studded comedy of Burn After Reading on Netflix, there’s plenty of action to be savoured. And if anyone asks, tell them you’re doing homework. Enjoy!

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As we move into the Christmas season, we've got some bite-size eps to tide you over until next year. This week we have a quick look at the controversial prisoner exchange between the US and Russia where WNBA star Britney Griner was swapped for notorious arms dealer, the "Lord of War" himself, Viktor Bout. How did it all come about, why are so many Republicans up in arms about it, and does this mean we can expect more strategic arrests in the future? Lights out in 10, inmates!

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