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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Intelligence agencies, or secret services, play a crucial role in modern governance. As national and international security challenges become increasingly complex, reliable intelligence agencies are essential for providing early warnings of potential threats.
According to the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), the purpose of intelligence is to provide information to the government and to speak truth to power. But which are considered the best intelligence agencies in the world?
List of the Best Intelligence Agencies in the World
Insider Monkey compiled a list of the top state intelligence agencies using a consensus methodology, published on Monday, January 15, 2024. The ranking considered data from four primary sources: Foreign Policy, VOX News, the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2023, and Yahoo News.
The assessment also factored in each country's cybersecurity capabilities and the number of military satellites it possesses. The nation with the highest aggregate score topped the list of the world's leading intelligence agencies.
Here are the top 10 state intelligence agencies in the world as per Insider Monkey:
1 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
The Central Intelligence Agency or CIA is the principal intelligence agency among the 18 intelligence agencies within the United States. Over the past 70 years, the CIA has been involved in various covert and paramilitary operations aimed at advancing U.S. interests globally. The CIA is also considered the most technologically advanced spy agency in the world.
2 The Ministry of State Security (MSS)
The Ministry of State Security or MSS is the main intelligence agency in China. Most of China's spy operations are reportedly directed towards the United States, especially in the fields of military technology and advancements in the technology sector. It is alleged that the MSS established relationships with individuals in Western countries and obtained information through these personal contacts.
3 SVR RF and FSB
The Sluzhba Vneshney Razvedki (SVR), or Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation, succeeded the Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti (KGB) in 1991. In contrast, the Federal Security Service (FSB) is responsible for internal security, combating drug trafficking, counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, and addressing other forms of organized crime within Russia. The reputation of Russian intelligence agents for their skill and effectiveness dates back to the Tsarist era.
4 Mossad
Established in 1949, Mossad is Israel's elite intelligence agency, renowned for its covert operations conducted outside of Israel's borders. The agency has garnered recognition for its efforts to neutralize hostile entities and threats deemed anti-Jewish. Mossad agents have reportedly carried out assassinations targeting scientists involved in the nuclear programs of Iraq and Iran and were also involved in apprehending individuals responsible for the attack on Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics in Germany.
5 The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
India is known to have 14 intelligence agencies tasked with a range of responsibilities, from information gathering to conducting investigations. Its primary intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was established in 1968 with the initial aim of countering Pakistani intelligence operations. RAW's activities extend to neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
6 Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)
Pakistan's main secret agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is considered one of the best intelligence agencies in the world. Despite reported limitations in operational funding, ISI is known to have outstanding capabilities, one of its greatest achievements was thwarting the Soviet Union's expansion in Afghanistan and its surrounding region.
7 MI6
M16, officially known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), was formed in July 1909, although its existence was not publicly acknowledged until 1994. It is reported that MI6 has allocated approximately US$2.6 billion, or around Rp39 trillion (at an exchange rate of Rp15,000), to counter-terrorism operations, as well as intelligence gathering related to nuclear weapons and drug trafficking for the British government.
8 Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)
The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) operates across various areas to protect Australia's political and economic interests. Founded in 1952, ASIS's existence reportedly remained a closely guarded secret, even from the Australian government itself, for over two decades.
9 Direction générale de la Sécurité extérieure (DGSE)
The Directorate General for External Security or DGSE is a French intelligence agency with a global network of over 5,000 agents. The DGSE has reportedly prevented more than 15 terrorist attacks in France since 2001. In addition, the espionage agency has 10 military satellites, the largest number in Europe.
10 Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND)
The Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), or Federal Intelligence Service of Germany, is one of the best intelligence agencies in the world with particular expertise in electronic surveillance of international communications. The BND's network is reported to comprise more than 4,000 agents.
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