Espionage, Covert Operations and Foreign Policy

TL;DR

Covert and clandestine operations, such as espionage, assassination, and propaganda, play a significant role in foreign policy.

Transcript

Hey everyone. Noah Zerbe here. This is one of a  series of short videos looking at instruments of   foreign policy. That is, when a state wants to  achieve a goal it's set for itself, what tools   does it have to mobilize to achieve those goals?  In this video, we're going to look at some of the   espionage tools available the other videos.  We wil... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧡 Covert and clandestine operations are tools within foreign policy that range from non-violent espionage to violent actions like coups and assassinations.
• 📔 Espionage can be conducted under non-official cover or official cover, with each providing different levels of protection and deniability.
• 🖐️ Covert operations can involve sabotage, extraordinary rendition, and targeted killings, while propaganda and disinformation play a role in influencing public opinion.
• 🇺🇸 The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is responsible for clandestine and covert operations in the United States, with separate units for paramilitary operations and political actions.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the difference between non-official cover and official cover in espionage?

Non-official cover refers to fictional identities not connected to the operating country, providing plausible deniability. Official cover agents are diplomats who work as spies but are protected under diplomatic status.

Q: How does the United States use extraordinary rendition in its global war on terror?

Extraordinary rendition involves kidnapping and deporting individuals suspected of having ties to terrorist organizations. They are often blindfolded, drugged, and transported to secret black sites for interrogation.

Q: How do drones complicate the concept of assassination and targeted killing?

The United States uses drones for targeted killings of individuals suspected of terrorist ties, but critics argue that these extrajudicial killings violate international law and result in collateral damage.

Q: What are some examples of countries engaging in covert efforts to destabilize foreign governments?

The United States has a history of supporting coups around the world, while Russia supports pro-Russian governments in Eastern Europe, and China seeks favorable ties with governments across Asia and Africa.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Espionage involves obtaining secret or confidential information without permission or through non-disclosed sources, either under non-official cover or official cover.

• Covert and clandestine operations range from non-violent espionage to violent actions like assassinations and supporting coups.

• Governments engage in sabotage, extraordinary rendition, political assassinations, and propaganda as part of their covert and clandestine operations.