Global Intelligence Agencies: Overview of Major National Security Services
A new overview circulating in security and geopolitical circles highlights some of the world’s most prominent intelligence agencies, underscoring their roles in national defense, foreign intelligence gathering, and counter-terrorism operations.
The list spans major world powers, regional players, and emerging security actors, offering a quick reference to each country’s primary external or domestic intelligence service.
According to the compilation, the United States is represented by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), while the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence activities fall under the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). Russia’s intelligence framework includes the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), and China operates through the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
In the Middle East and South Asia, Israel’s Mossad, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) remain some of the most discussed agencies due to their active roles in regional security affairs.
African representation includes Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and South Africa’s NIA, both responsible for overseeing the countries’ foreign intelligence operations.
European agencies featured include Germany’s Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), France’s Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), Italy’s AISE, Sweden’s SÄPO, Norway’s NIS, Poland’s AW, Spain’s CNI, and the Netherlands’ AIVD.
Other notable services include Canada’s CSIS, Australia’s ASIO, Brazil’s ABIN, Argentina’s AFI, Turkey’s MIT, Indonesia’s BIN, Mexico’s CNI, and South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Security analysts note that while these agencies vary widely in structure and mandate, they share common responsibilities: safeguarding national interests, countering threats, and conducting intelligence operations in an increasingly complex global environment.
