We’re fascinated when it comes to topics like this and especially when conspiracy theories are linked to some of the top 10 best intelligence agencies in the world, similar to the CIA case presented in the 6 most likely conspiracy theories, bringing to our attention organizations which by default keep a low profile. Some people believe that intelligence agencies are actors that in many cases violate our civil rights and liberties in order to fulfill a different purpose than the one they were destined to, while others believe that these organizations protect the constitution of the state they serve by dealing with delicate matters of National Security. It is worth mentioning that surveys conducted post 9/11 and the attacks in the United Kingdom and Spain have recorded the psychological and political impact these acts had as now citizens are more willing to sacrifice their liberties and rights in order to have increased security (the kind of security that is provided by the intelligence agencies).
Stokkete/Shutterstock.com
National Security matters were always on the center of attention not just for the public and the press but for the governments which fund the agencies that handle such issues. Cold War was not the only period when security agencies were thriving. Indeed in our times National Security issues and the protection of commercial interests on foreign territory have become more sensitive due to the nature of information and technology. Our, from all perspectives, globalized world requires of governments to develop institutes that can provide the authorities with sufficient intel which will enable governments to implement efficient policies regarding National Security. On this list of the top 10 best intelligence agencies in the world, the method which we follow does not take into account the reputation an agency has as a result of the Press or media. The listing follows a rather practical logic according to which we take into consideration partially the technology an agency has according to the public records and how active each agency is. By how active we mean for how long and how effectively an agency has been engaged to warfare that threatens a state’s constitution, domestic security and interests abroad.
10. Research and Analysis Wing
India’s Intelligence Agency was established in 1968 primarily aiming at countering the Pakistani militants within the county’s given territory. Since then RAW has evolved to a well-crafted agency that operates outside India’s borders.
urbans/Shutterstock.com
9. Inter-Services Intelligence
Pakistan’s intelligence agency is one of the world’s most controversial agencies regarding its role. ISI is closely linked with the military of Pakistan, is active against terrorism within Pakistan’s territory and likewise its main opposition India’s RAW, operates also outside the state’s borders.
8. National Intelligence Service
South Korea’s agency has its roots in the Korean Counterintelligence Corps which was founded during the Korean War. NIS is responsible for both domestic and international operations. Over the years the agency has been criticized for abusing its powers that have been quite influential over South Korea’s politics.
7. Direction de la Protection et de la Securite de la Defense
Underrated and not well-known, France’s ex-military intelligence currently part of the Ministry of Defense, DPSD is responsible for counter-intelligence, general intelligence, counter-terrorism, and counter-subversion within and outside France’s given territory. France is exposed to domestic religious extremism and has huge interests related to the energy sector in Africa.
6. Naicho
Japan’s Naicho acts within a wide-spectrum of operations at domestic and international level, focusing on the threat China poses to Japan in the Pacific region. Naicho is facilitated in the 6th floor of the Cabinet’s Office and reports directly to the Prime Minister of Japan.
5. Millî İstihbarat Teşkilatı
Turkey’s intelligence agency widely known as MIT is number five on our list with the top 10 best intelligence agencies in the world. Founded in 1965 the agency’s primary goal is Nation-wide intelligence data collection that will prevent internal external threats of Turkey’s Republic to proceed with actions against its people and the State. MIT cooperates closely with American agencies and what makes the agency unique is that the organization recruits relatives of existing agents in order to enhance security.
4. Ministry of State Security
Responsible for domestic security against separatist groups as well as espionage activities outside China’s borders, MSS aims mainly at collecting industrial data and military technology.
3. Sluzhba Vneshney Razvedki
Having its roots in KGB, Russia’s powerful intelligence agency has widespread connections in regions of increased importance for Kremlin’s energy politics. SVR was formed during the Perestroika era replacing KGB and the agency’s domain is aside anti-terrorism intelligence, the protection of Russia’s interests and influence abroad.
2. Central Intelligence Service
The Cold War never really ended for the Central Intelligence Service, which monitors, collects and analyzes data from every corner of the globe where United States interests stretch to. What makes CIA unique is the agency’s ability to act on behalf of the President of the United States supervising and conducting covert operations abroad.
1. Mossad
Established in 1949, Mossad or “the Institution” has developed quite a reputation as the most aggressive and formidable agency in the world. Mossad conducts covert operations, counter-terrorist operations and intelligence data collection since the very foundation of the Israeli state.
Which other intelligence agencies you believe should be included in the list with the top 10 best intelligence agencies in the world and why?
