The leaders of the UK and US intelligence services have warned that the international order is facing unprecedented threats, comparable to the Cold War era. In a historic joint article for the Financial Times, MI6 Chief Sir Richard Moore and CIA Director William Burns emphasized the close cooperation between their agencies in addressing global security challenges.
They highlighted several key issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Both intelligence chiefs noted that they had anticipated the conflict and had declassified information to aid Ukraine. They underscored the need for continued support for Ukraine despite the risks of escalation, including the possibility of Russia resorting to tactical nuclear weapons.
Moore and Burns also discussed efforts to counter Russian sabotage and disinformation across Europe and the broader geopolitical implications of Russia’s actions. They acknowledged the rising threat posed by China, which they view as a primary challenge for this century, and mentioned their work on Middle Eastern de-escalation, including potential ceasefire agreements related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Their remarks reflect a commitment to maintaining the international order and addressing the complex threats facing global security today.