In this article, we look at 5 countries with the best intelligence agencies. You can read about the technologies that support intelligence agencies in tackling complex threats by heading over to the 12 Countries with Best Intelligence Agencies, where we have also discussed some tech giants that collaborate with spy agencies in the United States to play their part in ensuring national security.
5. India
Score: 4.81
There are 14 intelligence agencies in India, with some tasked with intelligence gathering, while others are involved in investigative responsibilities. The Research and Analysis Wing, more commonly known as RAW, is the premiere intelligence agency of India, which was founded in 1968 to counter Pakistan’s espionage activities in India. The agency is particularly active in Bangladesh – where it played a key role in its cessation from Pakistan – as well as in smaller sized neighbors such as Nepal and Bhutan.
4. Israel
Score: 4.82
Israel is a land that is considered holy by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, and has been a battle-ground for nearly a century now. Surrounded by enemy states, Israel founded Mossad in 1949, its elite spy agency, which, over the decades, has become one of the most potent intelligence agencies in the world. The agency has received recognition for its operations on overseas territories to destroy anti-Jewish plots and hunt out enemies of Israel. According to Yahoo, Mossad agents have carried out assassinations of scientists that were involved in nuclear programs of both Iraq and Iran, and also took out all suspects that were behind the attacks on Israeli athletes in Munich during the 1972 Olympic Games.
3. Russia
Score: 5.29
Russia ranks among countries with the best intelligence capabilities, with several spy agencies operating in the country to ensure internal and external security. The SVR RF is the foreign intelligence agency of Moscow that succeeded the KGB in 1991, whereas the Federal Security Service (FSB) looks after internal security, espionage activities, drug trafficking, terrorism, and other organized crime. Russia’s tremendous spying capabilities go back to the Tsarist era, and still continue to remain strong.
2. China
Score: 5.60
The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is the primary intelligence agency of China, that is responsible for both foreign and domestic intelligence, as well as the security of the Communist Party of China. Much of China’s espionage efforts are focused on the United States, particularly in the areas of military technology and within high-technology corporations. According to Vox News, the MSS is known to develop personal contacts with people in the West and obtain critical information through them, without the individuals knowing that they facilitated a foreign espionage mission.
1. United States
Score: 5.80
According to the Director of National Intelligence, there are 18 intelligence agencies in the United States that collect information and collaborate together to conduct activities that are required to ensure national security. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the primary intelligence agency in the country, which also happens to be the most technologically advanced spy agency in the world. The CIA has over the years engaged in several covert and paramilitary operations over the last 70 years to expand American interests across the world.
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