Espionage

Espionage is the name for the practice of spying on others (usually nation states) to gain information for economic, political or military advantage. Most countries routinely spy on their potential enemies, and also their allies, although they generally deny this.

The cold war involved intense espionage activity between the United States of America and its allies and the Soviet Union and China and their allies, particulary related to nuclear weapons secrets.

Spies or alleged spies:

• Mata Hari
• Kim Philby

Espionage organizations: see Intelligence agencies, Special Operations Executive, CIA, KGB, Mossad, MI5, MI6

Espionage technology:

• Cryptography
• Echelon
• SIGINT
• Spy satellite
• Ultra
• U-2

Fictional spies:

• James Bond

See also:

• Spy fiction