Welcome

You’re an Intriguer now!

Let’s get started: head to your inbox to find our welcome email with a special gift

Welcome
Top Briefings
Will Tulsi Gabbard be the next US spymaster?

Trump’s 2.0 cabinet picks were always going to be a source of intrigue, but none quite like Tulsi Gabbard, his nominee for Director of National Intelligence — it’s a job created after the September 2001 terrorist attacks to drive better intel oversight and coordination. Views on Gabbard range from American hero to Russian spy to […]

The Americas 7 February, 2025
Is the US getting a sovereign wealth fund?

For any Intriguers who’ve dabbled in the television world of Succession, you’ll recall a memorable scene where the tycoon father, surely inspired by Rupert Murdoch, sends his son (Roman) to the Middle East to secure emergency cash from sovereign wealth funds. “No strings, and dry powder”, is how the media mogul describes the cash [yes, he uttered […]

Economics 6 February, 2025
The kidnapping that’s rocked a region 

Imagine this: you’re slamming down that morning Pop-Tart® (frosted apple cinnamon, probably), when you get the call you’ve been waiting for — an opportunity to work on a dream project in Thailand. Your mind instantly runs wild with images of you absolutely chilling on a beach with a cocktail in hand (Sabai Sabai®, probably). Anyway, […]

East Asia & The Pacific 5 February, 2025
What’s up with USAID?

USAID staffers awoke yesterday (Monday) to an email that there’d be no need to come into the office, because their HQ in DC is now closed. Opposition lawmakers then gathered outside to demand answers, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has now duly penned letters to the US foreign affairs and relations committees advising there’s a review underway, after which USAID […]

The Americas 4 February, 2025