Covert operation

Overview

A covert operation is a military or political activity carried out in such a way that the parties responsible for the action remain secret or unacknowledged. The term is often used in connection with actions aimed at influencing the political or military situation in foreign countries, typically in the context of the Cold War or more recent global conflicts.

History

The use of covert operations has been a common feature of international relations for many centuries. However, the modern concept of covert operations, particularly as practiced by the United States and other major powers, has its roots in the period following the end of the World War II.

A man in a trench coat, looking over his shoulder in a dimly lit street. He is meant to represent a covert operative.

Types of Covert Operations

Espionage

Espionage is the practice of obtaining information about an organization or a society that is considered secret or confidential without the permission of the holder of the information. This is often done through the use of human agents, known as spies, who infiltrate the target organization or society and gather information covertly.

Covert Action

Covert action is a term used to describe activities undertaken by governments or organizations that are intended to influence events in foreign countries without the involvement of conventional military forces. These activities can include propaganda campaigns, sabotage, support for resistance movements, and assassinations.

Counterintelligence

Counterintelligence is the activity aimed at protecting an organization or a nation from espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted by or on behalf of foreign governments or organizations.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Covert operations often raise complex legal and ethical issues. These operations are typically carried out in secret, without the knowledge or consent of the target, and often involve activities that would be illegal if conducted openly. Furthermore, they often involve actions that are morally questionable, such as deception, theft, and violence.

Modern Covert Operations

In the modern era, covert operations have become an increasingly important part of the toolkit of states and non-state actors alike. The advent of new technologies, such as the internet and drones, has opened up new possibilities for covert action, while also making it more difficult to maintain the secrecy of such operations.