Intel Focus: The Intelligence Spotlight Series

“These values are not idealistic”: can the EU still defend its principles? | Dr Berit Ebert

In this episode of The Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar speaks with Dr Berit Ebert, a political scientist and academic specialising in European Union law, with a particular focus on gender equality, democracy, and the rule of law. Dr Ebert is a faculty member at Bard College Berlin, a liberal arts university in Berlin, where she also serves as Director of Public Programs and Strategic Initiatives. Together, they discuss the European Union’s core values, the pressures facing democracy across Europe, the rule of law, migration, political polarisation, information warfare, and the limits of EU foreign policy in moments of international crisis. From Hungary and Poland to wider questions of trust, rights, and institutional resilience, this episode examines whether the EU can still defend its foundational principles in practice, not just on paper.

Why are many fact-checkers less optimistic today | Alba Tobella

In this episode of the Intelligent Spotlight organisation series, Viktoria Waldvogel hosts Alba Tobella, a seasoned journalist and co-founder of Verificat, Catalonia's first independent fact-checking organization. They explore how disinformation impacts democracies, the evolution of fact-checking, and the role of AI and social media in the fight against fake news.

States can know the truth, but can't show it | Kate Millar

In this episode of Intelligence Spotlight, Qais Alamdar speaks with Kate Millar, an intelligence and communications specialist, about how modern conflict is increasingly shaped in the grey zone, where states and non-state actors pursue strategic aims while staying below the clearest legal thresholds. They unpack why attribution has become the central battleground for accountability, and why OSINT has grown from a niche practice into a public-facing tool used to close the gap between what is suspected and what can be proven. The conversation looks at the limits of international law in hybrid warfare, the difference between evidence and usable proof, and why context matters as much as verification in open-source investigations. Millar argues for a purpose-driven approach to OSINT: not just collecting material, but building narratives and evidentiary chains that can survive scrutiny and lead to consequences. She also reflects on the grassroots energy that pushed OSINT forward, particularly as trust in traditional institutions has frayed, and closes with thoughts on where the field is heading and what keeps practitioners committed to difficult work. Note: Intel Focus is run entirely by volunteers. If you’d like to support our work, contact us at info@intelfocus.org

I wanted to be brave in 2026, and going freelance was part of that. | Gergana Krasteva

In this episode of Intelligence Spotlight, host Qais Alamdar speaks with Gergana Krasteva, a freelance foreign correspondent, about the evolving landscape of journalism, the challenges freelancers face, and the importance of ethics in reporting. They explore the economics of journalism, the art of storytelling, and the mental challenges reporters encounter. Gergana shares her insights on the future of journalism and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing media environment.00:00 The Evolving Landscape of Journalism01:18 Personal Journeys in Journalism03:26 Challenges in Modern Journalism06:43 Understanding Freelance Journalism10:42 The Why Behind Journalism12:45 The Stories That Go Untold14:47 Safety and Access in Reporting17:30 Funding and Its Influence on Journalism20:52 The Art of Pitching Stories23:11 The Art of Storytelling in Journalism27:25 Adapting to New Information31:29 Navigating Ethical Challenges in Reporting34:20 The Unseen Risks of Journalism38:08 The Future of Journalism: Ethics and Adaptabilityemail: info@intelfocus.orgwebsite: www.intelfocus.org

Most People Doing OSINT Do Not Understand Intelligence | Baptiste Robert

In this episode of the Intelligence Spotlight, Baptiste Robert, an ethical hacker and founder of Predictor Lab, discusses the nuances of hacking, the importance of ethical frameworks, and the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in modern investigations. He shares his journey from a grey hat hacker to an entrepreneur, emphasising the responsibilities that come with hacking skills. The discussion also covers the ethical considerations in developing investigative tools, the personal impact of working in OSINT, and the future of cybersecurity, highlighting the need for collaboration between the private and public sectors to foster innovation and skill development. Note: Intel Focus is run fully independently, voluntarily and has no revenue streams. Consider supporting us, our email: info@intelfocus.org Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Hacking: Beyond Malice 01:28 The Role of Ethical Hacking 02:00 Baptiste Robert: Journey from Hacker to Entrepreneur 09:58 The Birth of Predictor Lab 14:08 The Importance of OSINT in Investigations 17:51 Building Tools for Ethical Use 20:55 Ethical Considerations in Tool Development 30:07 The Personal Impact of OSINT Work 35:00 Mistakes Beginners Make in OSINT and Ethical Hacking 38:53 The Future of Cybersecurity and OSINT