Espionage In International Relations

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1. Introduction
The aim of this essay is to link the shady and misunderstood world of international espionage with the public world of politics as well as reveal the role of espionage in international relations and states. This essay will also delve into the problem of individual privacy in terms of internal espionage.

2. Defining key concepts
Before tackling the task at hand a few key concepts need to be defined. This will illuminate the context in which these concepts are deliberated upon and prevent any misinterpretation of the information provided.

2.1. Espionage
According to S. J. Cimbala (1987) espionage is the theft of information.
2.2. Government

2.3. Privacy

3. Brief History of Espionage
For one to fully understand the role that espionage plays in politics one must know how espionage came about and the role it plays in the politics of the past. This section will focus on the rise of espionage near the time of WWII and during the Cold War.

3.1. The Russian Secret Service
The Soviet Union, now known as Russia, was a communist state with Marxist ideals. This made the state quite isolated since the USA and other major European states were and still are democratic. The different regimes caused much tension between the two nations. According to Deacon, R. 1987 the Soviet Union would respond to international threats with military force and secrecy. Military tactic and intentions were kept secret and there was minimal official communication between states as the Soviet Union would try to predict what the USA would attempt next and retaliate prematurely. About 19 years before WWII the Soviet Union sent a small number of spies into the USA to infiltrate and gain information on the progress and formation of the atom bomb. The ...

... middle of paper ...

...as gathered. Tis tension coupled with Russia’ surprise invasion of Ukraine (Crimea to be precise) has caused global politics to become rather guarded and cautious. The old tensions between the USA and Russia have definitely been reignited and at this stage anything could happen.

6. Conclusion
Espionage is still relevant in today’s political climate despite the secrecy and often illegal actions it may lead to. In terms of a democracy, the art of spying and invasion of privacy is illegal but essential in terms of state security. The true issue is where to draw the line between privacy and security and nobody seems to have the answer as yet. Covert action is still not well known by the public which makes acknowledging its role in politics rather hazy. However Snowden managed to reveal its relevance and the socio-political issues that come with secrecy in politics.

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