Author(s): Alin DREPTATE
Publication name: Romanian Intelligence Studies Review
Publisher name: Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy
Publication type: Journal article
Publication date: December 31, 2020
Pagination:
Issue/ Volume: 24/2020
DOI:
Abstract:
Liaison between intelligence services is based on necessity and not on friendship,
and it bears both benefits due to exchanges of information, coverage of intelligence gaps
and shared operational costs, but it also has risks. The latter is given by the differences in
the foreign policy of countries and their unequal perception of threats, observed in
disproportionalities of resources allocated and power distribution to mitigate a
perceived threat. Additionally to these, one of the most damaging aspects to intelligence
cooperation agreement is the unauthorised disclosure, a consequence of insufficient
national laws to regulate and protect intelligence cooperation; or due to vulnerabilities
of an intelligence service caused by the presence of a penetration agent. Finding the
balance between the benefits and dangers it is not an easy task which challenges the
very need for liaison. This article argues that a pragmatic approach based on mutual
interests and benefits will always outcome the risks associated with this activity.
Keywords: information, intelligence, liaison, espionage, cooperation.
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