Espionage

Espionage is the practice of spying on others (whether states or other entities) to gain information for economic, political or military advantage. Most nations routinely spy on their enemies, and allies, although they generally deny this. Espionage conducted for commercial purposes is industrial espionage. Black's Law Dictionary (1990) defines espionage as: "...gathering, transmitting, or losing...[information related to the national defense]." Espionage, by a citizen of the target state, is generally considered to be a form of treason.

The cold war involved intense espionage activity between the United States of America and its allies and the Soviet Union and China and their allies, particulary related to nuclear weapons secrets.

Recently, espionage agencies have targeted the illegal drugs industry and terrorists.

See: Cold War espionage

Table of contents 1 Notable spies or alleged spies 2 Espionage organizations 3 Espionage technology 4 Counter-espionage technology 5 Fictional spies 6 Premiere Espionage Site

Notable spies or alleged spies