The Peanut Butter Spies, CIA’s China Initiative & Secret Service Burnout
Oct 14, 2021
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Spies using peanut butter as a dead drop, establishment of CIA's new China center, management shortcomings in the CIA, challenges of detecting insider spies, debate on relocating Secret Service, problems within the Secret Service
The establishment of a new China center by the CIA reflects the agency's strong focus on countering Chinese intelligence activities and recruiting Chinese spies while combating Chinese espionage.
The US Secret Service is facing challenges of low morale and high attrition rates due to the complex nature of their dual mandate and changing threat environment, which can be addressed by refining missions, prioritizing resources, providing growth opportunities, and improving cross-divisional synergies.
Deep dives
The CIA Announces New China Center
The CIA has announced the establishment of a new China center, signaling a shift in focus and prioritizing China as the number one geopolitical threat. The center aims to combine case officers, spy catchers, and intelligence analysts, reflecting the all-encompassing nature of China as a target. This move is part of the agency's effort to respond to the growing threat posed by China and to recruit Chinese spies while blunting Chinese espionage. The announcement, made in front of reporters, highlights the CIA's intention to project its strong focus on countering Chinese intelligence activities.
The US Secret Service Faces Challenges
The US Secret Service is grappling with low morale and high attrition rates, according to a report from the National Academy of Public Administration. The agency's dual mandate of protection and investigation has become increasingly complex in a changing threat environment. Agents and officers often work long hours and face significant stress due to the demanding nature of their mission. The lack of mobility and growth opportunities within the agency also contribute to the high attrition rate. Efforts to address these issues include refining the agency's mission, improving cross-divisional cooperation, and providing better resource allocation.
The Challenge of Insider Threats
The recent arrest of an Annapolis couple attempting to sell US nuclear submarine secrets highlights the ongoing risk of insider threats. The couple, motivated by financial gain, employed various techniques to communicate with an unidentified foreign power. This incident raises concerns about how to detect and prevent insider threats, particularly when employees maintain private behavior and do not exhibit warning signs at work. The case underscores the need for improved counterintelligence measures and source protection within agencies to mitigate the risk of espionage.
Addressing the Issues in the US Secret Service
The US Secret Service is facing significant challenges, including recruitment difficulties, high attrition rates, and overworked agents and officers. These problems are further compounded by the complexity of the agency's dual mandate and the changing threat environment. To address the issues, agencies need to refine their missions, prioritize resources, provide mobility and growth opportunities, and improve cross-divisional synergies. Building resilience, enhancing protective intelligence capabilities, and reevaluating investigative responsibilities can also contribute to a stronger Secret Service that can adapt to evolving security demands.
Washington Post intelligence reporter Shane Harris discusses odd happenings in the spook world with Jeff Stein, and former Secret Service Special Agent Jonathan Wackrow analyses a new report on tanking morale in the uniformed division with Jeanne Meserve.