While you’re making resolutions, I’m making assessments. That’s the difference between us.
Every year, Americans waste the final days of December reviewing what happened. Retrospectives. Listicles. “Year in review” nonsense. But here’s the thing about looking backward: your enemies aren’t. My 2026 threat assessment focuses on what’s coming. Someone has to.
I’ve spent the past 72 hours conducting a comprehensive analysis of the global threat landscape. No days off. No champagne. Just coffee, discipline, and a German Shepherd named Patton who understands that vigilance isn’t seasonal.
The 2026 Threat Assessment: Key Findings
Let me be clear: the threat environment entering 2026 is elevated. I’m not going to sugarcoat this. Our adversaries see a distracted nation—focused on ball drops and party hats—and they’re taking notes. As I warned before Christmas, weakness invites aggression. New Year’s Eve is no different.
Geopolitical instability. Multiple regions are showing signs of stress. I won’t name them here—operational security—but if you’re paying attention, you know which ones. If you’re not paying attention, that’s part of the problem.
Domestic complacency. The average American will spend tonight watching a crystal ball descend in Times Square. A crystal ball. While actual threats ascend. The symbolism writes itself.
Supply chain vulnerabilities. I’ve identified at least seven. Possibly eight. The eighth one is still developing, and I’m not prepared to discuss it in an open forum.
What My 2026 Threat Assessment Means For You
You’re probably wondering what you should do. Here’s my guidance: stay alert. Stay ready. And understand that while you’re clinking glasses at midnight, some of us will be scanning the horizon. That’s not a complaint. That’s a job description.
My wife says I take this too seriously. I told her someone has to. She said the neighbors are having a party and asked if I wanted to go. I said I’d be monitoring the situation from here. She went to the party. That’s fine. Different people have different roles.
Patton stayed with me. He gets it.
Final Assessment
The overall threat level for 2026? Elevated. My personal readiness level? Also elevated. The difference is: mine is always elevated. That’s not paranoia. That’s preparation.
I filed this report from my home office at 0437. The house is quiet. My wife asked why I was still awake. I told her someone has to be.
She went back to bed. Patton stayed.
He understands.
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