In strategic geopolitical locations, the CIA, Russia's ("former") KGB, the UK's MI6 or SIS, and so on are all there, trying to keep nations as client-states and to fuel underground insurrections should the nation deviate from course.
Crimea was Putin's response to losing to NATO overall in Kiev; it's his (successful) attempt to exert power in hopes of keeping a buffer-state in Ukraine (rather than having it turn into a new EU/NATO member that happens to rest on their border). These tactics are relics from WWII and the Cold War, but no nation has ceased their use. In fact, there are hundreds of other situations like Ukraine, where "secret service wars" are being fought. Some of those covert wars have erupted into overt proxies, like in Syria, as well. Unfortunately, every one of those situations has international consequences.
There's a mature, interesting, and nuanced discussion to be had about whether or not the CIA should be participating in those activities, but isolationists, absolute pacifists, conspiracy theorists, war hawks, and corporate propagandists tend to shield the topic from any real, intelligent treatment in the mainstream. However, some of us remain interested in the complexity of such a seemingly simple question. What do you think about the CIA's clandestine activities in relation to foreign affairs? Do you agree or disagree with the program? Keep in mind that I'm speaking about the general practice and not the real world strategic use of it or specific anecdotes.
Crimea was Putin's response to losing to NATO overall in Kiev; it's his (successful) attempt to exert power in hopes of keeping a buffer-state in Ukraine (rather than having it turn into a new EU/NATO member that happens to rest on their border). These tactics are relics from WWII and the Cold War, but no nation has ceased their use. In fact, there are hundreds of other situations like Ukraine, where "secret service wars" are being fought. Some of those covert wars have erupted into overt proxies, like in Syria, as well. Unfortunately, every one of those situations has international consequences.
There's a mature, interesting, and nuanced discussion to be had about whether or not the CIA should be participating in those activities, but isolationists, absolute pacifists, conspiracy theorists, war hawks, and corporate propagandists tend to shield the topic from any real, intelligent treatment in the mainstream. However, some of us remain interested in the complexity of such a seemingly simple question. What do you think about the CIA's clandestine activities in relation to foreign affairs? Do you agree or disagree with the program? Keep in mind that I'm speaking about the general practice and not the real world strategic use of it or specific anecdotes.
Really think about that...
