John Taylor discusses the importance of trust in the world of espionage. August Cole talks about China's theft of military technology and the impact of technology on espionage.
Trust is crucial in espionage, ensuring reliable information and agent safety.
China steals military technology by targeting defense bases and suppliers, focusing on engineering and design elements.
Deep dives
Importance of Trust in Espionage
Trust plays a crucial role in espionage, from the relationship between case officers and agents to the confidence between intelligence agencies and politicians. Without trust, intelligence operations are at risk of providing inaccurate information and agents may constantly fear for their safety. While betrayal and dark side activities are often portrayed in fiction, trust and building relationships are central to successful intelligence operations.
Traits of Spies and Agents
When handlers target potential spies, they look for individuals with access to intelligence rather than specific personality traits. However, when it comes to intelligence officers and employees of agencies, certain qualities become important. These include cleverness, openness, conscientiousness, and inquisitiveness. Sociopaths are generally not desirable as they lack guilt and can be difficult to trust.
China's Espionage and Military Technology Theft
China has been successful in stealing American military technology, with their aircraft resembling top-of-the-line American counterparts. Their espionage methods involve targeting defense industrial bases and overseas suppliers, taking advantage of lower cybersecurity standards. The theft is not limited to classified secrets but includes details on engineering and design elements for stealth aircraft. Efforts to poison stolen technology have been considered, especially with systems like quantum computing and hypersonic weaponry being of interest to intelligence communities.
The Role of Technology in Espionage
While technology is transforming the world of espionage, human officers and agents remain essential. Intelligence analysts rely on secret information that can only be provided by human sources. Technology aids in identifying potential agents and overcoming tradecraft challenges, but it cannot fully replace the valuable insights and information provided by human intelligence.
John Taylor, co-author of The Psychology of Spies and Spying, tells Jeanne Meserve how important trust is in a profession that is all about treachery and deceit. August Cole of the Atlantic Council talks to Jeff Stein about China’s theft of military technology.