CIA, MI6 spy chiefs raise alarm over historic global threats
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The news: In their first-ever joint public address, the heads of the CIA and MI6 warned the international world order is under an unprecedented range of threats, ranging from Putin’s war on Ukraine to Russian sabotage in Europe, to the rise of China and rapid technological change.
The context: Appearing at a Financial Times forum in London and writing in an opinion piece for the FT, CIA director Bill Burns and MI6 chief Richard Moore said the countries are co-operating “in a contested international system where our two countries face an unprecedented array of threats.”
Asked why they had decided to appear together publicly for the first time in their 77-year intelligence sharing partnership, Moore said it was an important moment to showcase the agencies’ co-operation and said the exercise could also help with recruitment efforts.
They stressed the need to adapt to emerging risks, particularly those posed by rapid technological change and escalating tensions in the Middle East, where Burns has been deeply involved in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
They said they believed Ukraine’s recent Kursk offensive had sparked doubts within Russia's elite about the war’s direction.
Burns described the offensive as a “significant tactical achievement,” while Moore noted it as a “bold move” but cautioned it’s too early to predict its long-term success.
What they said: “There is no question that the international world order — the balanced system that has led to relative peace and stability and delivered rising living standards, opportunities and prosperity — is under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the cold war,” both spy chiefs wrote.
Combating those risks “is at the very foundation of our special relationship.”
The sources: The FT Weekend festival , Burns and Moore opinion piece
