The hottest Intelligence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Desystemize 3933 implied HN points 16 Feb 25
  1. AI improvements are not even across the board. While some tasks have become incredibly advanced, other simple tasks still trip them up, showing that not all intelligence is equal.
  2. We should be cautious about assuming that increases in one type of AI ability mean it can do everything we can. Each skill in AI may develop separately, like bagels and croissants in baking.
  3. Understanding what makes intelligence requires looking deeper than just performance. There is a difference between raw capabilities and the contextual, real-life experiences that truly shape how we understand intelligence.
Wood From Eden 9312 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. Living in a society with a low average IQ can shape people's abilities and social structures differently than in higher IQ societies. Even with low IQ scores, many can still function well in their communities, often adapting culturally.
  2. Education systems may favor rote learning over creativity, so high IQ individuals might struggle in these environments. The focus is often on memorization rather than understanding concepts, leading to discrepancies between IQ and academic performance.
  3. Cultural values and personality traits can impact societal progress. In places where tribal or religious affiliations dominate, collective efforts toward improvement can be hindered by corruption and a lack of scientific reasoning.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 13925 implied HN points 25 Jan 25
  1. Ex-CIA heads like John Brennan are seen as dangerous when they are out of work. Their skills and experiences might lead to troubling actions.
  2. Public criticism can make former spies feel the need to prove their worth and intelligence. This can sometimes lead to mistakes that expose their true nature.
  3. The idea of sending former spies to a distant place, like Mars, is a humorous way to suggest they should be kept away from influencing public affairs.
Marcus on AI 5019 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. We haven't reached Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) yet. People can still easily come up with problems that AI systems can't solve without training.
  2. Current AI systems, like large language models, are broad but not deep in understanding. They might seem smart, but they can make silly mistakes and often don't truly grasp the concepts they discuss.
  3. It's important to keep working on AI that isn't just broad and shallow. We need smarter systems that can reliably understand and solve different problems.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 691 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. A group of former CIA members and venture capitalists met in Boston to discuss new tech ideas for military and safety purposes. They talked about big topics like cybersecurity and defense technology.
  2. One interesting pitch was about using micro nuclear reactors to power U.S. military bases. They also discussed how these reactors could be involved in cryptocurrency mining.
  3. The importance of developing U.S. technology to stay competitive against countries like China was a hot topic. Everyone agreed that the U.S. must innovate to keep up.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 1709 implied HN points 26 Jan 25
  1. A shell company called Safe Reach Solutions is led by a former CIA paramilitary chief, Philip F. Reilly. This company is involved in operating a vehicle checkpoint in Gaza.
  2. Reilly has a strong background in intelligence and military operations, having held various significant roles, including leading controversial drone strike programs.
  3. The article suggests that the U.S. intelligence community uses access journalism to manage and divert attention from their covert activities in conflict zones.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1066 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is being considered for a top intelligence role, but she faces questions about her stance on Edward Snowden. This has made some senators uneasy during her confirmation hearing.
  2. Gabbard has previously praised Snowden, which complicates her nomination to oversee the country's spy agencies. Her views are causing tension among both Republican and Democratic senators.
  3. Despite initial support from some senators, Gabbard's unwillingness to clearly label Snowden as a traitor is raising concerns about her leadership in national intelligence.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 1139 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Safe Reach Solutions is a contractor for a Gaza checkpoint and is linked to a Wyoming-based wealth management firm called Two Ocean Trust. This connection raises questions about its legitimacy.
  2. The company operates as a shell, meaning it may not have a lot of transparency about its operations or leadership. Its website doesn't even list its legal name or any employees.
  3. Another contractor, UG Solutions, is run by a former U.S. Special Forces soldier. This adds a layer of military experience to the operations at the checkpoint.
Public 637 implied HN points 27 Jan 25
  1. The CIA now suggests that COVID-19 likely came from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier beliefs.
  2. Many people once dismissed the idea of a lab leak as a conspiracy, calling it prejudiced and unfounded.
  3. This development indicates a significant shift in how officials are viewing the origins of COVID-19 after years of debate.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 467 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. AI is being used to improve how military targets are tracked and analyzed. This means we could see continuous updates on things like tanks, instead of just occasional snapshots.
  2. Companies like Anthropic and Google are investing big in AI for defense purposes. They're aiming to compete with others, like OpenAI, for military contracts and capabilities.
  3. The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is working on integrating AI systems to enhance their intelligence efforts, but it's facing some challenges with existing technologies.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 529 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Enrique de la Torre, a former CIA station chief, has now joined a lobbying firm with ties to the Trump administration. This shows a trend of government officials moving to private sector roles.
  2. De la Torre criticized the CIA's new AI system for profiling world leaders, calling it inadequate compared to his ideas. This highlights ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of technology in government work.
  3. His views on U.S. foreign policy, especially in Latin America, suggest he will push for strong stances against countries like Cuba and Venezuela in his new role. This aligns with certain hawkish perspectives in U.S. politics.
Aaron Mate 148 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is now in charge of US intelligence, despite previous criticisms about her views on intelligence. It's a surprising turn of events for someone who often went against mainstream narratives.
  2. Trump is putting pressure on the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which could have significant implications for the region. His stance may affect ongoing peace efforts.
  3. The discussion includes perspectives from various commentators, highlighting different views on these political developments. It's important to hear differing opinions for a better understanding of the situation.
God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger 65 implied HN points 30 May 25
  1. The NSA shares raw intelligence data with Israel, including personal information about American citizens, without removing their details first. This reveals serious privacy concerns about how intelligence is handled.
  2. Israel is known to actively spy on the U.S., raising questions about trust between allied nations. Reports suggest that Israel has even engaged in espionage against the U.S.
  3. A small group of extremely wealthy people, labeled 'superbillionaires', has amassed a staggering combined wealth of $3.3 trillion. This highlights the growing wealth gap in the world.
Chartbook 500 implied HN points 29 Dec 24
  1. The term 'vibe cession' suggests a cool down in economic enthusiasm. This means people may be feeling less optimistic about the economy.
  2. America's 'Hindenburg moment' refers to a serious crisis or failure. It's a warning sign that something big could go wrong.
  3. The CIA's involvement in shadow banking shows the different ways money can be used, especially when it comes to guns and security. This has implications for how we view finance and power.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 9504 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. Many reporters who covered the Russiagate story faced backlash and criticism for their reporting.
  2. Various journalists and media figures who exposed illegal surveillance and manufactured intelligence in the Trump-Russia investigation were targeted and discredited by mainstream commentators.
  3. Despite facing pushback, these reporters like Glenn Greenwald, John Solomon, and Lee Smith continued to investigate and report on the inaccuracies surrounding the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 7737 implied HN points 15 Feb 24
  1. Intelligence reports can heavily influence policy decisions, as seen in past conflicts like the Iraq war, showing the importance of accurate and unbiased information in governance.
  2. The use of selective release of classified information for political purposes, as seen in the Russiagate scandal, highlights the dangers of manipulating intelligence for agenda-driven decisions.
  3. Corruption in intelligence agencies impacts all political ideologies, making it a non-partisan issue that concerns citizens of all affiliations.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 2954 implied HN points 03 Nov 24
  1. Having a high IQ is important for success in many areas of life, including jobs and even health. It helps people learn quickly and solve problems well.
  2. For leaders, being smart is good, but being too smart can make it hard for people to relate to them. The best leaders usually have an IQ that's just above average.
  3. It's essential for leaders to connect with their followers. If they can't relate well, even smart leaders may struggle to succeed.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 6976 implied HN points 15 Feb 24
  1. The CIA allegedly manipulated intelligence to hide that Russia favored Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in the 2016 election.
  2. Some CIA analysts believed that Russia had a comfortable relationship with Hillary Clinton, contrary to what was publicly declared.
  3. The intelligence report claiming Russian interference to benefit Trump and harm Clinton was deemed inaccurate and misled the public.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 5963 implied HN points 22 Feb 24
  1. The war in Ukraine has become a key point of global propaganda, with narratives being forcefully maintained over actual truths.
  2. Public opinion in conflict zones can be manipulated by controlling the narrative and stifling contrary information.
  3. Government officials may push for wider conflicts without public support, suppressing the reality of the situation.
Glenn’s Substack 2496 implied HN points 11 Feb 24
  1. A cautionary tale in an article discusses a fictional attack on America, highlighting the importance of border control, intelligence, and target hardening.
  2. The aftermath of past attacks in Israel showed that atrocities can fuel anger and determination rather than cowing a nation into submission.
  3. Having a strong deterrence strategy may be a crucial factor in preventing potential future attacks by instilling fear in those who support terrorists.
Why is this interesting? 361 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Le Bureau des Légendes is a French spy drama that focuses on the emotional side of intelligence work. It shows how the personal lives of agents are affected by their dangerous missions.
  2. The show differs from typical American spy thrillers by being slow-paced and realistic. It emphasizes psychological complexity and real-world geopolitical issues instead of explosions and action.
  3. Fiction can reflect reality in unique ways. Just like the writer Gérard de Villiers, who often wrote about future events based on insights from the intelligence community, 'Le Bureau' offers deep understanding of current world issues through its storytelling.
All-Source Intelligence Fusion 590 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. Project Maven is being integrated with the Minotaur Mission System to help border surveillance. This setup is used by the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection.
  2. The Minotaur system combines different types of surveillance data, making it easier to detect illegal activities. It links sensors, cameras, and radar into one automated system.
  3. Amazon Web Services is involved in providing cloud support for Minotaur, highlighting the role of big tech in military surveillance programs.
Emerald Robinson’s The Right Way 4166 implied HN points 04 Dec 23
  1. Liberal journalists have released new allegations regarding the origins of the censorship-industrial complex.
  2. Olivia Troye was involved in debunking the whistleblower's story about U.S. government censorship.
  3. Troye was fired from the Trump Administration and is considered a 'useful idiot' of the national security state.
In My Tribe 1199 implied HN points 27 Dec 24
  1. Keeping secrets is really hard, and it's important for countries to figure out how to protect sensitive plans from being leaked. The recent October 7 attack showed how much trust someone needs to have in their team to keep everything quiet.
  2. Communication is key in military strategy. Disrupting your enemy's communication can be just as powerful as using weapons. Militaries need to focus on not just protecting their own communication but also finding weaknesses in the enemy's.
  3. Modern politics struggles with transparency, as seen with the cover-up of President Biden’s health issues. People in charge might prioritize their positions over honesty, which can lead to serious problems for the country.
The Dossier 167 implied HN points 13 Dec 24
  1. Austin Tice is a U.S. Marine and journalist who went missing in Syria over 12 years ago, and the last evidence of him being alive was a video from 2012.
  2. The Biden Administration believes he is alive, but there is little public evidence to support this claim, creating confusion about his situation.
  3. Despite efforts from various U.S. administrations, clear information about Tice's whereabouts or condition remains elusive, and many hope for answers as the conflict in Syria evolves.
Seymour Hersh 43 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. There was early intelligence about the COVID virus from Wuhan that indicated urgent action was needed. However, the response from leadership was slow and ineffective.
  2. The U.S. intelligence community had credible sources warning about a laboratory accident in Wuhan, but this information was not acted upon promptly.
  3. Many critical studies and warnings from health experts were reportedly erased from records to protect the president, suggesting a significant mismanagement of the crisis.
The Line 2908 implied HN points 24 Mar 23
  1. The Liberals mishandled the Chinese interference scandal, making it worse for themselves at every step
  2. The government's damage control approach has backfired, slowly backing the Prime Minister into rhetorical traps
  3. A public inquiry into Chinese interference is seen as a strategically smart move for the Liberals to restore confidence
The Infinitesimal 62 HN points 26 Aug 24
  1. Intelligence is not predicted by genetics in the same way height is. Studies show genetics only account for a small part of IQ scores compared to height.
  2. IQ is more influenced by environmental factors and cultural background. This means the way we measure intelligence might be impacted by things like access to education.
  3. The meaning of IQ and what it actually measures is still not clear. Unlike height, which is easy to measure, intelligence testing doesn’t have a simple or consistent method of measurement.
Chartbook 371 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. Cuba is facing a significant crisis, which could impact its people and economy.
  2. Europe relies heavily on the USA, affecting its political and economic decisions.
  3. There have been failures in intelligence regarding the situation in Ukraine, showing gaps in understanding global issues.
In My Tribe 865 implied HN points 06 Nov 24
  1. People can argue about why the Democrats lost, but there are many reasons to consider. Each side will focus on factors that support their views and can raise their status.
  2. J.D. Vance could keep Trump voters happy, but many voters are unsure about Trump. If things go wrong, there might be a quick change in popularity for him.
  3. The government can't keep increasing debt forever. The challenge will be finding ways to cut spending that don't upset voters. Intelligence agencies also need to be managed well to make sure they work effectively.
Thinking about... 641 implied HN points 07 Dec 24
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is seen as unqualified to lead U.S. intelligence due to her past support for controversial regimes and spreading false information.
  2. Her actions, including justifying violence against civilians and promoting propaganda, raise concerns about her intentions and reliability.
  3. If she were to lead national intelligence, it could put U.S. safety at risk and harm relationships with allies.
Ill-Defined Space 38 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is ahead in deploying satellites compared to the Space Development Agency (SDA). This is important because faster satellite deployment can improve national security.
  2. The missions of the NRO and SDA are different. The NRO supports a wide range of intelligence needs, while the SDA is focused mainly on helping U.S. military forces detect missile threats.
  3. Both agencies are trying to fix slow satellite acquisition processes. The NRO's partnership with SpaceX is helping them deploy quickly, while the SDA is still working on building a robust supply chain for their satellites.
Ill-Defined Space 47 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is rapidly deploying satellites using SpaceX's Starshield, increasing its satellite fleet significantly in a short time. This means they are becoming more reliant on a single company for their satellite manufacturing needs.
  2. In contrast, the Space Development Agency (SDA) is struggling to build a solid supply chain and is concerned about its satellite manufacturers. They need to make and deploy a larger number of satellites than currently planned.
  3. The NRO's approach may help it quickly achieve its goals, but it raises questions about the risk of depending heavily on SpaceX for critical military capabilities.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 1634 implied HN points 02 Mar 24
  1. The rise in Bitcoin price can serve as a proxy for general anxiety felt by the investing public, reflecting concerns about uncertain times.
  2. A notable news development was the New York Times article revealing the ways in which the CIA assists Ukraine in its conflict against Putin.
  3. The general anxiety levels are increasing across various facets, not just limited to one area.