Espionage
Espionage is the practice of spying on others (whether states or other entities) to gain information for economic, political or military advantage. Most nations routinely spy on their enemies, and allies, although they generally deny this. Espionage conducted for commercial purposes is industrial espionage. Black's Law Dictionary (1990) defines espionage as: "...gathering, transmitting, or losing...[information related to the national defense]." Espionage, by a citizen of the target state, is generally considered to be a form of treason.
The Cold War involved intense espionage activity between the United States of America and its allies and the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China and their allies, particulary related to nuclear weapons secrets.
Recently, espionage agencies have targeted the illegal drug trade and terroristss.
See: Cold War espionage
Notable spies or alleged spies
Espionage organizations
See also Intelligence agencies and Special Operations Executive
Intelligence disciplines
Espionage technology and techniques
Counter-espionage technology and techniques
Fictional spies
External links
See also
