Intel Insights is a podcast for anyone interested in national security issues. National security professionals, students, and the general public. Created because not everyone has access to informed discussions on national security issues - especially the military and intelligence aspects.
Latest Episodes
Cedric discusses national security issues, especially those related to military and intelligence developments. The podcast is designed to have an extended conversation about these issues so we can go beyond the headlines.
Something we are hearing about often in the news right now is F-16s in Ukraine. Ukrainians have wanted F-16s for a long time – really since the start of the Russian invasion in their country in early 2022. It’s not very hard to understand why, because the F-16 is a fourth generation fighter plane that is extremely versatile. It’s the most common fighter airframe in the world today, and is a favorite among countries like Belgium, Denmark, and Poland, just to […]
In the next few weeks, President Biden will be nominating a new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS). This position is very important, however it usually doesn’t get the coverage that it should. The CJCS is the top ranking military officer in the United States and is responsible for advising the President and other top officials on military matters. The creation of the CJCS occurred after the National Security Act of 1947 was passed. The act established the […]
One of the areas in our world that is currently seeing a growing interest is Africa. The scramble for Africa actually refers back to the early 20th century when the European powers were trying to colonize the continent. Currently, Africa is the poorest part of the world. It is also very rich in resources, therefore attracting more attention from certain countries. This episode dives into the new scramble for Africa. The countries that are showing the most interest (both commercially and […]
The world is a complex place, and one of the major areas we need to examine and understand is the current conflict between China and Taiwan. We are all dependent on what is happening there – especially when it comes to trade and economic viability. While China has seen massive economic progress and growth over the last 50+ years, they’ve still been unable to successfully overtake Taiwan. This episode covers China’s ongoing plan to take over Taiwan, and why they think […]
One of the biggest issues we’re currently facing in the national security space is the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It can be easy to get lost in all of the details surrounding what’s happening with this war. One of the greatest factors that comes into play here though is time-specifically, each side taking advantage of time, and how they can use it to achieve their particular goals. In today’s episode, I’m talking more about Russia’s war on Ukraine, and what […]
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
Cedric Leighton
Colonel, USAF (Ret) and CNN Military Analyst
Colonel Cedric Leighton is a CNN Military Analyst, providing on-air commentary on military and international security issues to CNN’s US and international audiences. His analysis of the ongoing war in Ukraine has been an integral part of CNN’s coverage since the start of that conflict. He is a founding partner of CYFORIX, a cyber risk and security solutions consultancy and the Chairman of Cedric Leighton Associates, LLC a global strategic risk consultancy.
Prior to his work with CNN, Colonel Leighton appeared on numerous global television and radio networks. These include the BBC, CCTV (China), Al Jazeera, ARD (German TV), Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, MSNBC, Sky News and TRT (Turkish TV). Recently, he also appeared on Australia’s Seven Network providing commentary on the US military’s role in quelling domestic disturbances. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, France’s Le Figaro, Correo Brasiliense, and Spain’s La Razon as well as in several specialty publications like C4ISR Magazine and ADS Advance. Colonel Leighton has also written for several publications, including The Hill and Leadership Excellence Magazine.
Prior to founding his strategic risk consultancy, Colonel Leighton served for 26 years as an Intelligence Officer in the US Air Force. During this period, he deployed five times to the Middle East, served at US Special Operations Command, directed specialized intelligence efforts during combat operations, witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall, was a Squadron Commander and served twice at the Pentagon. During his first tour at the Pentagon, Colonel Leighton served on the Air Staff, where he was the Executive Officer to the US Air Force’s Director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as the Intelligence Directorate’s Liaison to the US Congress. During his second tour at the Pentagon, Colonel Leighton served on the Joint Staff, where he became the Deputy Director for Warfighter Support and Integration within the Intelligence Directorate. His last military assignment was as the Deputy Training Director for the National Security Agency, where he championed training initiatives for the nation’s cyber warriors.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, seven Meritorious Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He was a Distinguished Graduate of the US Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Colonel Leighton graduated magna cum laude from Cornell University and holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Angelo State University.
Questions, Comments, Reviews
Fill out this form to contact Cedric: