Which is the Greatest Threat to the U. S.
Foreign Intelligence Organizations: Which is the Greatest Threat to the U.S.
Introduction
The United States of America has always been considered as one of the Super countries in the world. Considering all the inventions, advanced infrastructure, evolving internet security tactics, and more, the U.S. remains on top of its game. However, despite being a great country, it is not guaranteed that it will remain on the top position as other countries begin to make themselves known through their own inventions and initiatives. In addition, it has several other competitors in the world market today. What is more, these same countries pose a huge threat to America's national security, as they become a country very much similar to what America is and what it stands for. In this light, the question as to which is the greatest threat to the United States remains to be answered. Nevertheless, according to studies, China is the country that America has to look out for as it continues to rise and imitate the ways of America in terms of strategies and tactics to employ.
Brief Historical Background
According to studies, three countries pose a huge threat to the United States Intelligence Agencies. One of these countries is Russia, which has the Federal Security Service of Russian Federation (FSD) that handles the country's "internal security counterespionage, and the fight against organized crime, terrorism, and drug smuggling". The SB came about as a result of a reorganization of the Russian intelligence groups during the Soviet-era, namely, the Checka and the KGB, among others. Specifically, it was formed on April 3, 1995 and is currently headquartered in Lubyanka Square .
The People's Republic of China is another country that poses a huge threat to America. Apart from advancements in technology, China's intelligence agency is considered as among the largest units in the world. In China, the intelligence division is called the Second-level department, which gathers military information by employing special undercover agents to other countries. The purpose of such strategy is gather military information in whatever country the spies are located. This also involves ensuring that all information published publicly is scrutinized for any data that may directly or indirectly affect China. In some instances, military attaches are sent to Chinese embassies in other countries. Among those who play an important role in China's military intelligence tactics are those deployed in the countries of Turkey and Africa. In most instances, the reasons for China's military operations include "weapon technologies, scale of wars, military theories, economic affairs, and policies of foreign countries". Because of the high sensitivity of the subjects, information cannot be obtained easily, thus, using military envoys or intelligence officers is crucial. However, what makes the Chinese intelligence departments different from the rest is the importance it places on ethnic Chinese as sources of information, including employing non-professionals in obtaining military information, unlike other countries that use professional intelligence officers only.
Another country that can give undue stress to America is Iran. At present, even the Pentagon believes that Iran could be the next possible hazard to America, as Iran's uranium enrichment program becomes an issue that could destabilize America's national security. Adm. James Winnefeld who acts as the vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, asserts that when a country is rich and have infinite resources, a country can buy anything it wants, including power. Furthermore, he adds that America is in a different world now and just cannot simply stay lax if it wants to retain its position in the world.
Iran has a strong foothold when it comes to secrecy of communication, thus, the more it becomes a big threat considering that not much is known outside of the country. Information is very much limited, as the country does not encourage publishing of its activities on any Iranian sites. The training selection for agents is based on age and religious affiliation. One must be at least 27 years of age and a firm believer of Islam. Part of the training is to teach agents how to act like foreign dignitaries in order to penetrate the most exclusive circles abroad. Another tactic by Iranian military operatives is to use psychological warfare and disinformation. They do this by misleading foreign media, including readers and television watchers.
Strongest and Greatest Threat to America
Among the countries just mentioned, the one that presents the greatest threat to the United States of America is China. Considering that China is not only a strong country economically, it also has one of the largest military intelligence in the whole world. Being a super country just like America, the Chinese intelligence group is very much similar with how America has designed and led its own intelligence groups. Although this was not a huge issue in the past because of China's inward policies, the playing field has changed as the country's leaders have become major players in the world. Furthermore, with more advanced technologies, China is capable of hacking tons of military data that could compromise intelligence organizations worldwide. This is quite evident with the recent attacks that China made as it targeted U.S. systems. As cybersecurity is threatened, the more America has to be vigilant about the postings it does on various sites. With China, terrorism may not be the main cause of threat to America's national security, but the protection of all files and data the country has.
Conclusion
While America has long been known as a super country, it must do something to address the growing presence of China worldwide. As China makes its presence known and as it continues to imitate and steal valuable military information in whatever means it is capable of, the more China becomes stronger and threatens the position of America now. On the other hand, America has to start reviewing its own military practices and modes of communication in order to ensure the integrity of its valuable information.
Bibliography
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