The Restricted Handling Podcast

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ RH 3.5.26 | China: Spies, AI Surge, Economic Slump, PLA Shakeup dives into the latest moves from Beijing and their global ripple effects. In this episode we break down the most critical updates on Chinese espionage, economic shifts, technological breakthroughs, and military developments. If you want the inside track on how China is reshaping global power and why it matters to the US and its allies this episode is for you. We kick things off in the United Kingdom where the latest arrests under the National Security Act highlight the growing reach of Chinese intelligence. Three men including the husband of a sitting Labour MP were detained for allegedly assisting Chinese operatives. These arrests underscore that espionage is not just a Cold War echo but a real and active threat today. We also cover related operations in the Philippines where multiple nationals were apprehended for spying on South China Sea and military affairs. This episode gives you the full context on how Beijing is running intelligence operations across the globe while keeping its public profile low. Next we shift to China’s domestic stage where Premier Li Qiang set a historically low GDP growth target of 4.5% to 5% for 2026. While the numbers might look modest the implications are huge. We break down how China is balancing economic slowdown with social policies including a new childbirth-friendly society, expanded childcare, and measures to support the silver economy as the population ages rapidly. We also talk about efforts to stimulate household consumption and manage the property crisis. On the technology front we explore China’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Startups like DeepSeek, Zhipu AI, MiniMax, Moonshot AI, and Baichuan AI are racing ahead with world-class AI innovation. We discuss how China is integrating AI across industrial supply chains and building a national data market while strengthening self-reliance in high-tech sectors. If you thought Silicon Valley was the center of AI dominance think again China is catching up fast. Finally we cover military developments including a 7% increase in defense spending and continued modernization of the People’s Liberation Army. We talk about leadership purges among senior generals, the temporary drop in air sorties around Taiwan, and what this means for the PLA’s long-term readiness. The episode also touches on Beijing’s calculated approach to global conflicts like the strikes in Iran and how it balances strategic patience with aggressive technological and military modernization. Listeners will get a clear picture of China’s current trajectory from espionage to economy, technology, and military without the fluff. This episode is packed with timely facts, context, and updates that keep you informed and ahead of the curve on global security and technological competition. Tune in to understand how these moves shape not just Asia but the broader world and why the US and its allies are watching closely. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In today’s episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we dive into the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global security landscape. From daring Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia’s Black Sea bases to dramatic LNG tanker sinkings in the Mediterranean we’ve got it all. If you thought yesterday’s updates were intense wait until you hear what’s happening now. Ukraine’s drone program is hitting hard and hitting deep. Ukrainian forces recently targeted the Russian naval base in Novorossiysk, damaging the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate Admiral Essen along with corvettes and minesweepers. Three Russian sailors were killed and 14 wounded. Over 200 drones were reportedly involved in the strike, showing just how much Ukraine has scaled its UAV operations. These attacks aren’t just about tactical damage they send a strategic message that the Black Sea is no longer uncontested Russian territory. And in an update from yesterday’s coverage Russia is pointing fingers at Ukraine for the sinking of the LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz in the Mediterranean. Russia claims Ukrainian naval drones launched from Libya struck the vessel carrying 61,000 tons of liquefied natural gas. All 30 crew members survived but the incident highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s shadow fleet and the growing operational reach of Ukraine’s naval drones. We break down what this means for European energy markets, Russian revenue, and the broader strategic picture. On the geopolitical stage Russia continues its reflexive control messaging aimed at NATO allies. Moscow is publicly criticizing French and UK nuclear policy while trying to influence Coalition of the Willing decisions. Poland is responding by exploring its own nuclear program marking a major shift in European security thinking. These moves show how Eastern Europe is recalibrating its nuclear posture in response to Russian pressure and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile Ukraine is grappling with missile shortages for its F-16 fleet during peak Russian drone campaigns. For several weeks in late 2025 pilots had to rely on rotary cannons and legacy Sidewinder missiles from the 1970s. Supplies have been restored but the ongoing US-Iran tensions could make future resupply tricky. We break down how Ukraine is balancing air defense, drone operations, and deep strikes against Russian infrastructure despite these challenges. Finally we cover Russia’s internal pressures. Moscow City is cutting staff and trimming budgets German intelligence says Russia’s 2025 federal deficit is over 2.36 trillion rubles higher than officially reported. Combined with ongoing drone attacks on energy and rail infrastructure and elite FSB operations in Donbas and Crimea the Kremlin is facing serious logistical, financial, and operational challenges. This episode is packed with updates on drones, missile shortages, nuclear policy, energy warfare, and covert operations. It’s the latest in a constantly evolving conflict that affects not just Ukraine and Russia but Europe, the Mediterranean, and global energy markets. Tune in for sharp insights, a little levity, and all the facts you need to stay informed. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In today’s episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we dive deep into some of the biggest stories shaping global politics and security. From China’s reactions to the recent US-Israel strikes on Iran to its growing naval power and the booming AI industry. We start with the escalating situation in Iran, where US airstrikes took out Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials. While we’ve heard the standard condemnation from China, things are getting more interesting. Beijing is not only voicing its outrage but also making moves to protect its national interests. China’s evacuating its citizens from Iran, and with Iran being one of China’s top oil suppliers, it’s clear that Beijing’s worried about more than just diplomatic fallout. We break down the delicate balance China is trying to maintain between supporting its ally and keeping its energy supply chains intact. Next, we shift focus to China’s military activities, particularly its ever-present shadow over Taiwan. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been upping the ante in the region with regular air sorties and naval movements. With the PLA continuing its pressure campaign, Taiwan finds itself caught between defense spending debates and looming deadlines for crucial arms deals with the US. How will Taipei navigate this high-stakes game? But we don’t stop there — let’s talk the South China Sea. China is flexing its muscles once again, conducting naval patrols and sending bombers over Scarborough Shoal. This isn’t just business as usual; it’s China reminding the world that it has strategic dominance in this contested region. We explore the growing tension as multinational patrols from countries like the US, Japan, and Australia become a common sight — and how China continues to assert itself. In the world of tech, China is all in on AI. Humanoid robots, embodied intelligence, and space technology are front and center at the National People’s Congress, and we dive into how AI is rapidly reshaping the landscape of Chinese industry. But there’s a twist — the electric vehicle sector, once a bright spot, is now facing financial struggles. Smaller EV makers are drowning in debt, and even BYD, China’s top EV producer, is slashing prices just to stay competitive. How will China balance growth and stability in this fast-evolving sector? And last but definitely not least, we tackle China’s growing naval dominance. With new Type 096 submarines entering the fleet, the US Navy is on high alert. These submarines are stealthy, quiet, and capable of striking US targets from afar. The underwater arms race is on, and China’s serious about challenging the US’s undersea dominance. This episode is packed with insight, analysis, and some good old-fashioned geopolitical tension. So whether you’re a military expert, a policy junkie, or just someone interested in global affairs, this episode has something for you. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In today’s episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we dive deep into the latest global tensions, where Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East are all playing their parts in shaping the battlefield. From drone strikes to shadow fleets, oil price surges, and military strategies, we cover it all. You won’t want to miss this one. Russia’s response to the recent US-Israel strikes on Iran is nothing short of predictable—more words, less action. We break down Russia's tepid reaction, showing how their supposed “strategic partnership” with Iran is more about political theater than true military backing. Iran's retaliation by tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz has global oil prices spiking, which oddly enough, works in Russia’s favor—but there’s a catch. We explore how this delicate balancing act could backfire in the long run. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the military situation continues to evolve. Zelenskyy’s surprise support for the US-Israel strikes on Iran adds another layer to the geopolitical chessboard. Ukraine’s push for security guarantees is on the table, as Zelenskyy seeks to keep the heat on Russia while trying to prevent global distractions. Oh, and don’t forget the UK stepping in with its air defense expertise, helping Gulf states tackle the very drones Ukraine has been fighting for years. That’s a plot twist we didn’t see coming. On the ground, Russia’s shadow fleet continues to evade EU sanctions, but Belgium is taking matters into its own hands by intercepting Russian oil tankers like the Ethera, sending a strong message to Moscow. We break down how these illegal moves by Russia’s shadow fleet are being increasingly challenged by European powers, showing that sanctions enforcement is heating up in ways we haven't seen before. We also revisit some important internal security moves in Russia and Ukraine. FSB counter-sabotage operations are on the rise, with Russian detainees being accused of espionage for Ukraine. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Ukraine’s intelligence network continues to disrupt Russian military infrastructure inside the country. We discuss how this silent battle for control is playing out on the back end, with major implications for the long-term conflict. All this, plus a Tajikistan leadership transition still hanging in the balance, and we wrap it up with some key tactical updates in Ukraine, including advances near Novopavlivka and Russian drone strikes continuing to hammer civilian infrastructure. There’s a lot to unpack, and we cover it all. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Step beyond the headlines and official spin to uncover the deeper realities inside Russia and China’s economies. We take a close look at how Moscow and Beijing project power abroad while grappling with fragile foundations at home, from Russia’s unsustainable wartime spending to China’s faltering growth and anxious workforce. We cut through state narratives to reveal the costs of these economies, costs borne not by leaders, but by ordinary citizens facing higher prices and shrinking opportunities. With insights from data, policy shifts, and on-the-ground reports, we trace how these two authoritarian powers strain to maintain control, and how their choices reverberate across global markets, diplomacy, and the lives of millions. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we’re diving into the latest and most intense developments involving China and its global strategy. From the U.S.-Israel airstrikes in Iran to China’s military buildup in the Pacific, we cover it all. This is where geopolitics, military moves, and strategic decisions collide. Here’s what we’re breaking down today: We start with an explosive update on the U.S.-Israeli strikes that took out Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and nearly 40 top officials. China’s reaction? As cool as a cucumber. While Beijing has condemned the attack, they’re playing the long game, focused on securing their oil interests and managing energy vulnerabilities. With a strategic interest in Iran’s oil exports, China’s got a lot at stake in this volatile situation, but they're not jumping in feet first. We dive into how China’s making calculated moves to ensure its economic and energy stability in a region that’s always unpredictable. Next, we revisit Taiwan, where tensions continue to simmer. The PLA’s military presence is as strong as ever with hundreds of sorties and naval vessels surrounding the island. Taiwan’s government is juggling an urgent March 15 deadline to sign critical U.S. arms deals while domestic political squabbles over defense spending heat up. China’s steady pressure isn’t about to let up anytime soon. We break down the latest updates on military patrols and what that means for the island’s security. Shifting gears to the South China Sea, China’s been ramping up its military presence around the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Whether it’s flying bombers, sailing destroyers, or simply asserting dominance, Beijing is sending a clear signal that it can counter any multinational patrols at will. With the Philippines, the U.S., Japan, and Australia conducting joint operations, China’s flexing its muscles, making it clear that it’s got control over its backyard. We also dive into China’s broader strategic outlook as the National People’s Congress rolls out its new Five-Year Plan. With a heavy focus on AI, robotics, and space capabilities, China’s doubling down on tech innovation. However, in the midst of its technological push, China’s economy is facing some serious turbulence. Industries like electric vehicles are dealing with crushing competition and rising debts. How will Beijing balance its aggressive growth plans with an economy that’s showing signs of stress? Finally, we wrap up with a look at China’s growing military strength, particularly in its rapidly expanding nuclear-powered submarine fleet. With new subs like the Type 095 and Type 096, China is gearing up to challenge U.S. naval supremacy. This arms race in the Pacific is heating up, and we break down what it means for global security and U.S. naval strategy. Tune in for a packed episode with all the latest on China’s moves in Iran, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and its race to modernize its military. From cyber threats to submarine fleets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone keeping an eye on China’s evolving role in the world. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In today’s episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we’re diving into some of the most intense geopolitical shifts happening right now. From Russia’s response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East to Ukraine’s ongoing fight for territory and Europe’s bold moves against Russia’s shadow fleet, this episode is packed with key updates you won’t want to miss. We kick things off with Russia’s surprisingly low-key reaction to the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that decapitated Iran’s leadership, including the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Russia sent some strong words condemning the strike, but there was no real support for Iran. Could this be the end of Russia’s "strategic partnership" with Tehran? Tune in as we break down the awkward diplomatic dance between Moscow and Tehran after the deadly blow to Iran’s leadership. Then, we’re heading to the oil markets, where Iranian threats to the Strait of Hormuz are sending global prices sky-high. With Russia’s economy already hanging by a thread, the surge in oil prices could provide some much-needed relief—if only temporarily. But don’t expect Russia to be popping champagne just yet. The chaos in the Gulf, while boosting prices, is also increasing instability, and Russia can’t afford to look like it’s too happy about that. Next, we’ve got some updates from Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s peace talks with Russia are still up in the air due to the Middle East situation. But Russia’s recent comments indicate they might be open to post-war security guarantees. Could this be a sign that Moscow is ready to negotiate? Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are making significant territorial gains, with strategic drone strikes hitting key Russian infrastructure, including the vital Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk. And the drama doesn’t stop there. The EU is getting more aggressive with Russia’s shadow fleet, with France and Belgium working together to seize a sanctioned Russian tanker in the North Sea. This is a major blow to Russia’s efforts to dodge sanctions and keep oil flowing through the backdoor. Europe’s not messing around, and it’s about time. Finally, we wrap up with Russia’s internal security chaos. The FSB has been busy taking down more than 200 individuals linked to Ukrainian sabotage efforts. With the domestic pressure mounting and more threats on the horizon, Russia’s internal instability is only adding fuel to the fire. Get ready for a packed episode as we cover everything from high-stakes diplomacy to military maneuvers and economic turbulence. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we dive straight into a packed week that feels like three geopolitical chess matches happening at the same time. China is preparing to launch a brand new Type 09V guided missile nuclear submarine, and this is not just another hull sliding into the water. This platform reportedly carries 18 vertical launch system cells and adds a serious undersea cruise missile punch to Beijing’s growing anti access strategy in the Western Pacific. If you care about Taiwan contingencies, carrier strike group survivability, or the future of naval deterrence between Guam and the First Island Chain, this is the kind of development you pay attention to. At the same time, Xi Jinping is ripping through the top ranks of the People’s Liberation Army. Central Military Commission Vice Chair Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Chief Liu Zhenli are now out amid corruption investigations. That is not minor reshuffling. That is two of the most senior operational figures in China’s military structure being removed while Beijing is pushing toward its 2027 readiness milestone. We break down what that means and why purging your generals while building next generation warfighting capability is a risky balancing act. Then we shift to Taiwan. Taipei is facing a March 15 deadline to sign three US arms packages, and domestic political friction is complicating the timeline. Meanwhile, PLA gray zone pressure continues with naval vessels, aircraft activity, and coordinated patrols in the South China Sea near Huangyan Dao. This is steady, deliberate pressure designed to normalize Chinese military presence and test political resolve. We also cover the US and Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and why that move hits China in a very specific place. Beijing has been a major buyer of Iranian oil. Energy security, sanctions evasion, and great power positioning all intersect here. China condemned the strike and began evacuating its nationals from the region. This is not just Middle East drama. It connects directly to China’s strategic calculus. Finally, we look at China’s upcoming Five Year Plan rollout at the National People’s Congress, with heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. This is the long game of technological competition, and it sits right alongside military modernization and global supply chain maneuvering. If you are tracking China strategy, Taiwan risk, US China competition, or global security trends, this episode connects the dots in a way that is serious but still actually listenable. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down one of the most volatile 72-hour stretches in global security in recent memory. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is confirmed dead following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes. Tehran responds. Moscow reacts. Oil markets brace. And suddenly the war in Ukraine is colliding with Middle East escalation in ways that could reshape diplomatic timelines and energy flows. We walk through what actually happened, who said what, and why it matters. Russia publicly condemned the killing and called it a violation of international law, but stopped short of offering real support to Tehran. That silence speaks volumes. At the same time, OPEC+ announced a production increase of 206,000 barrels per day as fears swirl around possible disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil moves through that corridor. If traffic slows, prices spike. If prices spike, Russia benefits. Meanwhile, Ukraine peace talks hang in the balance. President Volodymyr Zelensky says the timing of the next round of negotiations depends on Middle East security conditions. Kyiv also claims Moscow signaled openness to U.S.-backed postwar security guarantees during recent talks in Geneva. That is a significant development if confirmed, and we explain what that could mean. We also cover Belgium’s seizure of the sanctioned Russian tanker Ethera in the North Sea. French helicopters supported the boarding operation. This was not symbolic enforcement. This was boots on deck. Europe appears increasingly willing to physically interdict Russia’s shadow fleet, which has been quietly keeping oil revenues flowing despite sanctions. On the battlefield, February marked the highest monthly total of Russian missile strikes since at least early 2023. Moscow launched 288 missiles and more than 5,000 long range drones in a single month. Ukrainian forces responded with strikes on S-300 systems, ammunition depots, and the Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk, a critical Black Sea export facility. We also examine Russia’s domestic crackdown on alleged Ukrainian linked communication networks, with more than 200 arrests across 43 regions, and growing criticism inside Russia of Telegram as a security vulnerability. This episode connects Russia, Iran, Ukraine, OPEC+, NATO, energy security, sanctions enforcement, and drone warfare into one clear narrative without drowning you in jargon. If you follow international relations, national security, military strategy, energy markets, or great power competition, this one is essential listening. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

The Supreme Leader is dead — now what happens next?👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcasthttps://www.restrictedhandling.com/Get the daily intelligence brief Glenn and Ryan read — covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, and military operations.This is ROUND 2 w/ Tony DeMario who spent 30+ years on Iran and regional proxies at CIA.After the decapitation strikes.After Operation Epic Fury and Operation Lion’s Roar.After U.S. and Israeli forces eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader and dozens of senior IRGC officials.Tony DeMario returns to break down what comes next.Tony is a former senior CIA officer with 34 years in the Army and Agency, specializing in Iran, counterterrorism, and Iranian regional proxies. He currently serves as Executive Vice President at Strider Technologies, a strategic intelligence firm focused on geopolitical risk and nation-state competition.This episode goes beyond headlines.We discuss the collapse of Iran’s leadership structure, succession risks, proxy retaliation, Russia’s angle, China’s oil calculus, and whether regime change is even realistic.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:• The strategic impact of killing Iran’s Supreme Leader• Why this is historically unprecedented• Whether Iran’s security apparatus can reconstitute• Hezbollah and proxy retaliation risks• The role of Russia in prolonging instability• China’s oil dependency on Iran• Succession scenarios inside Tehran• Whether Reza Pahlavi is viable (spoiler: unlikely)• Why “nation building” is not on the table• The risk of Libya- or Iraq-style fragmentation• What sustained U.S. strikes would look like• The danger of premature celebrationTony explains why:• Decapitation alone doesn’t equal regime collapse• Infrastructure destruction matters more than leadership removal• Iran’s bureaucracy is deeper than many realize• Russia benefits from U.S. distraction• This is the weakest Iran has been in decades — but that doesn’t guarantee stabilityJust clear-eyed analysis of a historic moment.⏱ TIMELINE / CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:00 The Decapitation Strategy10:00 IRGC & MOIS Reconstitution16:00 Hezbollah & Proxy Threat22:00 Russia’s Incentives29:00 China & Oil Calculus35:00 Succession & Assembly of Experts41:00 Could Iran Fragment?48:00 What Nation Building Would Require55:00 Final AssessmentTony DeMario is a former senior CIA officer with 34 years of service in the Army and Agency. He led teams focused on Iran, counterterrorism, and Iranian proxy networks across the Middle East.He currently serves as Executive Vice President at Strider Technologies, a strategic intelligence firm specializing in geopolitical risk and state-backed economic threats.Strider Technologies:https://www.striderintel.com/Tony DeMario on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-demario/Glenn Corn is a former CIA Senior Intelligence Service officer and multiple-time Chief of Station.Institute of World Politics – Faculty Profilehttps://www.iwp.edu/faculty/glenn-corn/Great South Bay Consultinghttps://greatsouthbayinc.com/Subscribe and receive the daily intel brief:https://www.restrictedhandling.com/

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/What’s Coming Up Next Week in the World (March 1–7): China’s Two Sessions, UN Power Moves, EU Security Talks & Ukraine AccountabilityWhat’s on the global calendar next week? In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast’s “What’s Coming Up Next Week in the World,” we break down the major scheduled geopolitical events from March 1 through March 7 — no predictions, no hype, just the real-world meetings, summits, and institutional moments that serious observers are watching.This week’s lineup is stacked.The United States assumes the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, a procedural shift that carries real agenda-setting power. When Washington holds the gavel, timing and framing of debates on Ukraine, Russia, and Middle East security can subtly shift. It’s not dramatic — but in international diplomacy, control of the schedule is control of momentum.Meanwhile in Beijing, the annual political season known as the “Two Sessions” begins. The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opens first, followed by the National People’s Congress (NPC). This is where China sets its legislative tone, signals economic priorities, and frames national security and defense spending for the year ahead. If you track Xi Jinping’s policy direction, Chinese economic stimulus signals, or long-term strategic planning, this is required viewing.Over in Europe, EU ministers gather in Cyprus for discussions on EU enlargement (including Ukraine and Moldova), the long-term EU budget, and countering foreign information manipulation. Translation: how committed is Europe to sustained support for Kyiv, and how resilient is it against Russian hybrid tactics? The answers won’t come in dramatic press conferences — they’ll show up in budget language and policy alignment.The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meets in Vienna for a full week. Nuclear oversight, safeguards, and the intersection of Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure and Middle East nuclear tensions make this a quiet but critical forum. If you follow nuclear security and non-proliferation policy, this is where the technical groundwork gets laid.In Brussels, the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council tackles migration policy, Schengen governance, Europol coordination, and — notably — accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine. This is the legal architecture side of geopolitics. Slow, deliberate, and designed to endure beyond headlines.We also flag the U.S. Employment Situation report, because global markets react instantly — and financial conditions shape everything from sanctions regimes to defense budgets.On the watchlist: potential early-March diplomatic sequencing involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia; anticipated reactions from North Korea as joint U.S.–South Korea drills approach; and possible Chinese economic policy signals during the parliamentary sessions.👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

⚠️ This episode was recorded ONE HOUR before U.S. strikes on Iran (February 27–28). The predications are eerily accurate and insight and context about what comes next is worth the listen.👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcasthttps://www.restrictedhandling.com/Get the daily intelligence brief Glenn and Ryan read — covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, and military operations.The predictions and assessments made here are eerily close to what unfolded overnight.We will follow up with a post-strike assessment episode — but this conversation captures the strategic thinking immediately before the kinetic phase began.In this episode of the Restricted Handling Podcast, Glenn Corn and Ryan Fugit are joined by Tony DeMario, former senior CIA officer with 34 years in the Army and Agency, specializing in Iran, counterterrorism, and Iranian regional proxies.Tony led teams across some of the most sensitive Iran-related missions in recent history.This is not academic analysis.This is pre-strike strategic insight from someone who has lived the problem set.🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:• Whether Iran’s regime is weaker than at any time since 1979• Why regional partners hesitate to openly support U.S. action• Hezbollah’s residual capabilities• Whether strikes would be symbolic — or decapitation-level• Why the IRGC leadership structure matters• What would actually fracture regime cohesion• Russia’s strategic interest in prolonging Middle East instability• Whether protests inside Iran change the calculus• Why negotiations may be delay tactics• What it would truly take to end the conflictTony explains why:• Iran has “never won a war, but never lost a negotiation”• Decapitation without follow-through may not achieve deterrence• Russia benefits from distraction• Sanctions and economic pressure may matter more than strikes• The regime’s internal corruption complicates every scenarioThis episode captures the strategic debate just before events overtook analysis.⏱ TIMELINE / CHAPTERS00:00 Recorded One Hour Before U.S. Strikes03:00 The Carrier Groups & Regional Tensions08:00 Iran’s Internal Power Struggle14:00 Hezbollah & Proxy Capabilities20:00 What a “Decapitation Strike” Means27:00 Regional Allies & Overflight Politics33:00 Russia’s Strategic Angle38:00 Negotiations: Real or Delay?45:00 Could the Regime Collapse?52:00 Final Assessments Before Kinetic ActionGlenn Corn is a former CIA Senior Intelligence Service officer and multiple-time Chief of Station.Institute of World Politics – Faculty Profilehttps://www.iwp.edu/faculty/glenn-corn/Great South Bay Consultinghttps://greatsouthbayinc.com/Subscribe and receive the daily intelligence brief:https://www.restrictedhandling.com/HOW TO FIND GLENN CORNRESTRICTED HANDLING

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ A weekly deep dive into the latest spy stories and intelligence updates from across the globe. We spotlight the hidden dynamics driving security crises, geopolitical maneuvering, and covert operations—all with a sharp, unvarnished perspective. From cyber threats to clandestine influence campaigns, this episode pulls together the week’s most critical developments, cutting through the noise and spin. Join us as we uncover the storylines shaping tomorrow’s conflicts, power plays, and intelligence battles.👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ China is not easing into the weekend. It is reshuffling generals, spoofing aircraft identities, probing telecom networks, and watching US stealth fighters from orbit. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down a fast moving 24 hours that show how Beijing is operating across military, cyber, political, and economic fronts all at once. We start in Beijing, where nine senior military officials were removed from China’s National People’s Congress just days before the annual Two Sessions political gathering. This includes full generals from the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and even the Information Support Force. If you follow PLA modernization, you know this is not routine paperwork. It is another chapter in Xi Jinping’s ongoing military purge, and the timing ahead of a major policy event matters. Then we head south to the South China Sea and Taiwan’s doorstep. Chinese Wing Loong 2 drones have reportedly been flying long endurance missions while broadcasting fake aircraft identities. Yes, you read that correctly. These drones spoofed transponder codes from a Belarusian cargo plane and even a British fighter jet. We talk through what that means, why the Bashi Channel keeps showing up in the flight paths, and how this fits into broader Taiwan contingency planning. On the cyber front, a China linked hacking group known as UNC2814 was disrupted after compromising telecom and government targets in 42 countries. Their command and control infrastructure? Google Sheets. Not a Hollywood hacker bunker. A spreadsheet. We break down how that works and why telecom networks remain a strategic target in global competition. There is also an update on influence operations targeting Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, including attempts to use AI tools to amplify negative narratives during election season. At the same time, Japan is moving forward with plans to deploy Type 03 surface to air missile systems to Yonaguni Island, just miles from Taiwan. In the United States, a former Air Force F-35 instructor pilot has been charged with allegedly training Chinese military aviators. That case connects directly to long standing concerns about talent recruitment and technology transfer. And finally, Chinese commercial satellite imagery publicly revealed 11 US F-22 Raptors deployed to Israel’s Ovda Air Base alongside a Patriot missile battery. Forward basing is now visible to the world in near real time. If you care about US China relations, Taiwan, the South China Sea, military modernization, cyber espionage, AI influence operations, or great power competition, this episode connects the dots in a way that is sharp, grounded, and actually listenable. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Russia launched 420 drones and 39 missiles across Ukraine just hours before US and Ukrainian officials sat down for high-level negotiations in Geneva. This was not routine pressure. It was one of the largest strike packages of 2026 and a clear signal ahead of talks involving Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov. We unpack what was hit, why energy infrastructure remains the primary target, and what this says about Moscow’s negotiating posture. We also cover new evidence that Russia has used the 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile in combat. That is the same system that triggered the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty in 2019. With New START now expired, the reappearance of this missile on the battlefield matters. We explain what it is, why it was controversial, and why its use now is strategically significant. On the economic front, the IMF has approved an $8.1 billion four-year program for Ukraine, with $1.5 billion disbursed immediately. We look at how this fits into the broader $136 billion international support framework and the estimated $588 billion reconstruction cost outlined by the World Bank. While missiles are flying, the financial architecture of the war is still very much in motion. We also dive into Europe’s growing energy and political tensions. Hungary is blocking a €90 billion EU loan package to Ukraine amid accusations over Druzhba pipeline disruptions. Poland and Romania scrambled fighter jets during Russian strikes. A Russian drone approached the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Sweden. Hybrid pressure inside NATO space continues to build. Beyond Europe, we examine Russia’s recruitment of foreign nationals, including developments in Kenya and South Africa, and new Russian legislation shielding foreign fighters from extradition. Inside Russia, reports suggest Telegram could be blocked beginning April 1, adding to tightening digital controls as the security state expands its reach. This episode connects the dots between battlefield escalation, nuclear treaty fallout, global finance, European energy politics, hybrid warfare, and internal Russian control. If you follow geopolitics, international security, US foreign policy, NATO strategy, or great power competition, this is the breakdown you need. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down a packed 24 hours in China policy, military posture, and global leverage plays. If you are tracking US-China relations, Taiwan security, rare earth supply chains, or Indo-Pacific military balance, this is the one to queue up. We start with the big picture. The Trump-Xi summit scheduled for March 31 through April 2 is still on track, but the environment around it is tightening. China’s rare earth export controls are biting harder than expected. US aerospace and semiconductor firms are now reporting worsening shortages of yttrium and scandium. Prices are spiking. Production lines are pausing. And the US still has zero domestic scandium production. This is not theoretical trade friction. It is industrial leverage in real time. Then we pivot to what may be the most dramatic story inside China right now. Xi Jinping’s purge of the People’s Liberation Army has removed more than 100 senior officers since 2022. Former vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission are gone. The Joint Staff chief is gone. The Rocket Force leadership has been gutted. Roughly half of senior PLA billets have been affected. That is not routine anti-corruption work. That is structural reshaping of the command system. But here is the twist. While leadership churn continues, China’s military modernization is not slowing down. Satellite imagery shows strong indicators that the Type 004 aircraft carrier under construction at Dalian is nuclear powered. That would put China in a very small club globally. At the same time, late 2025 Red Sword exercises involved roughly 200 aircraft across a massive training area. Analysts estimate China could soon produce up to 300 fourth and fifth generation fighters annually. The hardware pipeline is alive and well. We also cover Taiwan’s latest air and naval tracking data, Japan’s decision to deploy new air defense systems to Yonaguni Island near Taiwan, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressing Beijing on trade imbalances and Ukraine, and the arrest of a former US F-35 pilot accused of training Chinese military aviators. Add in a Chinese-linked global hacking campaign, rare earth pressure ahead of high-level diplomacy, and expanding Indo-Pacific military deployments, and you have a week that feels anything but quiet. If you want sharp, fast-moving analysis on China military modernization, US-China trade tensions, Taiwan Strait security, rare earth supply chain risks, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics, this episode delivers. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down the confirmed fall of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine and why the much-hyped Russian breakthrough has not materialized. After nearly two years of grinding combat following the fall of Avdiivka in February 2024, Moscow now controls Pokrovsk. But has it actually unlocked the path to Slovyansk and Kramatorsk? We walk through what changed, what did not, and why the operational picture matters more than the press release. We also dive into the latest nuclear rhetoric out of Moscow. Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service is accusing Britain and France of plotting to provide Ukraine with nuclear capabilities. Kyiv calls it absurd. Western capitals deny it. So what is this really about? We unpack how nuclear signaling fits into negotiation pressure tactics as US, Ukrainian, and Russian representatives prepare for another round of talks in Geneva. Zelensky and President Trump spoke on February 25 and agreed the next trilateral session should elevate to the leaders’ level. But are the core disagreements actually moving? On the economic front, Ukraine is hitting deep. We cover reported Ukrainian cruise missile and drone strikes reaching up to 1700 kilometers inside Russia, including impacts on defense and chemical facilities and disruption to oil infrastructure. We also examine the fallout from the Druzhba pipeline dispute and how Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is using energy leverage to block a major EU funding package for Ukraine. Inside Russia, the security state continues to tighten. New authority for Roskomnadzor to manage internet traffic, increased pressure on Telegram, terrorism charges against teenagers in Krasnodar, and expanded civil defense training all point to a government preparing for long haul conflict and internal control. We also touch on Poland’s arrest of suspects accused of trying to export drone component manufacturing equipment to Russia, and the US sentencing of a defense contractor executive who sold cyber tools to a Russian broker. If you want clear analysis of Russia, Ukraine, US diplomacy, EU politics, sanctions enforcement, energy security, drone warfare, and nuclear signaling without the noise, this episode delivers. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

Step beyond the headlines and official spin to uncover the deeper realities inside Russia and China’s economies. We take a close look at how Moscow and Beijing project power abroad while grappling with fragile foundations at home, from Russia’s unsustainable wartime spending to China’s faltering growth and anxious workforce. We cut through state narratives to reveal the costs of these economies, costs borne not by leaders, but by ordinary citizens facing higher prices and shrinking opportunities. With insights from data, policy shifts, and on-the-ground reports, we trace how these two authoritarian powers strain to maintain control, and how their choices reverberate across global markets, diplomacy, and the lives of millions.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down one of the most strategically dense 24-hour periods in the US-China relationship this year and make it actually listenable. President Trump’s March 31 trip to Beijing is still on track, but the leverage equation heading into that summit is shifting in real time. A Supreme Court ruling altered the administration’s tariff authority, a new global tariff rate just rolled out, and Beijing is carefully calibrating its public tone. No fireworks. No panic. Just deliberate positioning on both sides ahead of what could be one of the most consequential leader-level meetings of 2026. At the same time, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in Beijing before heading straight to Washington. That sequencing matters. Europe is not decoupling from China, but it is trying to de-risk. We dig into what that actually means for trade, industrial policy, rare earths, and the broader transatlantic relationship. Germany’s dependence on Chinese markets and Chinese supply chains is still real, and Beijing knows it. Taiwan remains the quiet center of gravity. President William Lai has formed a task force to counter foreign interference ahead of the November 28 local elections. Disinformation, economic inducements, cyber pressure, gray zone tactics. It is all on the table. Meanwhile, Taiwan continues tracking sustained PLA naval activity around the island, reinforcing a pattern that has been building for years. In the South China Sea, things are not cooling off. The Philippines is accusing Chinese forces of jamming Starlink near Scarborough Shoal. Satellite imagery shows continued maritime militia presence across key features. Land reclamation appears to be advancing at Antelope Reef in the Paracels. That is not symbolic sand. That is strategic footprint. We also cover China’s new Type 09V nuclear-powered attack submarine spotted at Bohai Shipyard, continued military modernization amid sweeping PLA corruption purges, export controls on Japanese defense-linked firms, semiconductor enforcement questions involving Nvidia’s H200 chips, and Panama’s decision to take control of two major canal ports previously operated by a Hong Kong-based company. This episode connects the diplomatic, economic, military, cyber, and industrial threads shaping US-China competition right now. It is not just about ships and summits. It is about leverage, positioning, and how pressure is being applied across multiple domains at the same time. If you follow geopolitics, China strategy, Indo-Pacific security, Taiwan defense, global supply chains, or semiconductor export controls, this one is for you. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com. 

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Four years into Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine and the geopolitical temperature is not cooling off. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down the biggest strategic moves shaping year five of the war and what they mean for Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and Europe. We start at the United Nations, where the General Assembly voted 107 to 12 to back Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The headline twist? The US abstained. So did China. We unpack what that vote actually signals, how it fits into ongoing US mediated negotiations, and why symbolism at the UN still matters in 2026. From there, we pivot to Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric. On the fourth anniversary of the invasion, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service accused the UK and France of preparing to secretly arm Ukraine with nuclear weapons components. No evidence was presented, but the message was loud. We walk through what this escalation language is designed to do and why the Kremlin is reaching for Cold War style signaling again. We also cover updates from Brussels and Kyiv. Hungary is still blocking the EU’s €90 billion Ukraine aid package and slowing sanctions. Zelensky is pushing hard for EU accession by 2027. European leaders showed up in Kyiv for the anniversary, but unity inside the EU is being tested. Energy politics and pipeline leverage are still shaping decisions behind the scenes. On the battlefield, Ukraine has regained territory near Kupyansk and in southern sectors, disrupting Russia’s preparations for a potential spring and summer offensive. We keep it strategic and focus on what those gains mean in context, not just map movements. Russia continues drone and missile strikes, including a recent wave featuring an Iskander-M ballistic missile and over 100 drones. We also dig into the numbers. Russian military deaths are now estimated to exceed 200,000 verified fatalities, with some estimates pushing far higher. Ukrainian losses remain severe. The scale of attrition is historic for Europe in the 21st century. Inside Russia, we break down tightening internal security, arrests on treason charges, and the growing pressure on Telegram as the Kremlin pushes a state backed messaging alternative. Energy revenues are down. Sanctions are biting. Diplomatic posts are shifting toward Africa and Asia. This episode connects the dots between UN votes, nuclear signaling, battlefield shifts, economic strain, and internal repression. If you want a clear, high energy, geopolitically grounded breakdown of where the Russia Ukraine war stands right now, this is the one to listen to. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/   Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.