CIA and MI6 chiefs say world order ‘under threat like never since Cold War’
The heads of the UK and US foreign intelligence agencies have warned that the world order is “under threat in a way we have not seen since the Cold War”.
The MI6 and CIA chiefs also said the two countries stood together in “countering an assertive Russia and Putin’s aggression in Ukraine”.
In their first joint article, Sir Richard Moore and William Burns wrote in the Financial Times that they foresaw the coming war in Ukraine “and were able to warn the international community”, in part by declassifying secrets to help Kyiv.
And they said efforts were being made to “disrupt Russia’s reckless campaign of sabotage” across Europe, promote de-escalation in the Israel-Gaza war and counter-terrorism to prevent the rise of Islamic State (IS).
In an editorial in the FT, they wrote: “There is no doubt that the international world order – the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability, and delivered rising living standards, opportunity and prosperity – is under threat in a way we have not seen since the Cold War.”
They added that “successfully countering this risk” was the cornerstone of the special relationship between Britain and the United States.
One of the “unprecedented threats” facing both countries is the war in Ukraine, now in its third year following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Sir Richard and Mr Burns said “staying the course is more important than ever” when it comes to supporting Ukraine, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not succeed”.
They said the conflict had shown how technology could change the course of war and highlighted the need to “adapt, experiment and innovate”.
“Beyond Ukraine, we continue to work together to disrupt the reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe conducted by Russian intelligence, as well as the unscrupulous use of technology to spread lies and disinformation aimed at driving a wedge between us,” they continued.
The couple also made their first public appearance together at the FT Weekender at Kenwood House, London on Saturday.
Mr Burns told attendees he saw no evidence that Mr Putin’s power was waning, while Sir Richard added: “Never confuse tight power with stable power.”
The fact that Russian intelligence agencies are using criminals for sabotage operations in Europe is a sign that they are “somewhat desperate”, the head of MI6 has said.
Both foreign intelligence agencies see China’s rise as the major intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the century, and have reorganized their services “to reflect that priority,” the pair said. said in their comments.
They also said they had “strongly” pushed for restraint and de-escalation in the Middle East, and had worked “relentlessly” to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal.
Mr Burns, who has played a central role in ceasefire efforts, indicated at the FT event that a more detailed proposal could be forthcoming in the coming days.
“This is fundamentally a matter of political will,” he said, adding that he was “deeply” hopeful that leaders on both sides would reach a deal.
It has been 11 months since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage.
More than 40,000 people have been killed in Israel’s ongoing military campaign since then, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
