Spy & Espionage
Espionage spying involves an individual obtaining information that is considered secret or confidential without the permission of the holder of the information. Espionage is inherently clandestine, lest the legitimate holder of the information change plans or take other countermeasures once it is known that the information is in unauthorized hands. One of the most effective ways to gather data and information about an enemy (or potential enemy) is by infiltrating the enemy's ranks. This is the job of the spy. Spies can bring back all sorts of information concerning the size and strength of an enemy army. They can also find dissidents within the enemy's forces and influence them to defect. In times of crisis, spies can also be used to steal technology and to sabotage the enemy in various ways. Counterintelligence operatives can feed false information to enemy spies, protecting important domestic secrets and preventing attempts at subversion. Nearly every society has very strict laws concerning espionage, and the penalty for being caught is often severe. However, the benefits that can be gained through espionage are generally felt to outweigh the risks.
History
Incidents of espionage are well documented throughout history. The ancient writings of Chinese and Indian military strategists such asSun-Tzu and Chanakya contain information on deception and subversion. Chanakya's student Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya Empire in India, made use of assassinations, spies and secret agents, which are described in Chanakya's Arthasastra. The ancient Egyptians had a thoroughly developed system for the acquisition of intelligence, and the Hebrews used spies as well, as in the story of Rahab. Spies were also prevalent in the Greek and Roman empires. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Mongols relied heavily on espionage in their conquests in Asia and Europe. Feudal Japan often used ninja to gather intelligence. More recently, spies played a significant part in Elizabethan England (see Francis Walsingham).
Agents in Espionage
An Agent is someone that has been authorized to function on behalf of another.[There are several types of agent in use today.
Double agent, "is a person who engages in clandestine activity for two intelligence or security services who provides information about one or about each to the other.
Agent provocateur: This type of agent will instigate trouble or may provide information to gather as many people as possible into one location for an arrest.
Sleeper agent:
A sleeper agent is a person who is recruited to an intelligence service to wake up and perform aspecific set of tasks
or functions while living under cover in an area of interest..