Spy chiefs claim the world is 'under threat in a way we haven't seen since the Cold War'

7 September 2024, 07:35 | Updated: 7 September 2024, 15:00

MI6 and the CIA have said the world is "under threat in a way we haven't seen since the Cold War" in a rare joint statement released by top spy chiefs.

Speaking on the subject on international relations, spy chiefs warned of Russia's "reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe".

In their first-ever joint remarks - Sir Richard Moore and Bill Burns said an "unprecedented array of threats" faced the West - highlighting the greatest risk of shift in the world order since the Cold War.

Sir Richard labelled President Putin's threats "irresponsible", while the CIA chief labelled Putin "cocky.

"Putin's whole narrative is a very cocky and a very smug one," said Bill Burns.

It comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed he wants 'infectious' Kamala Harris to win the upcoming US election over Donald Trump.

The British and American spy chiefs Sir Richard and Mr Burns made the rare public statement in the wake of growing pressure over a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

As part of the joint statement, the British and US intelligence chiefs flagged that the agencies have “exploited our intelligence channels to push hard for restraint and de-escalation” in the Middle East.

They also described China as "the principal intelligence and geopolitical challenge of the 21st century" as part of the interview with the Financial Times.

The intelligence chiefs cited a spate of mysterious sabotage and arson attacks on major infrastructure in the UK, Germany and the Baltics in recent months.

It comes as the US accused Russia of using social media to spread misinformation across the world, with the pair speaking of the Kremlin's "cynical use of technology to spread lies and disinformation designed to drive wedges between us".

Sir Richard and Mr Burns also underlined the "resurgent" danger Islamic State posed to the West.

"Today, we cooperate in a contested international system where our two countries face an unprecedented array of threats," Sir Richard and Mr Burns wrote.

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"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," they said.

The pair outlined the ongoing threats to democracy from the likes of Islamic State and Russia, noting the "special relationship" between the UK and US was more important than ever.

"Trust, openness, constructive challenge, friendship," they said.

The pair added they are “working ceaselessly” to achieve a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.

On the subject of Russia's war in Ukraine, the pair said: "Staying the course is more vital than ever. Putin will not succeed in extinguishing Ukraine's sovereignty and independence."

Noting the importance of technology on the battlefield, they added: "Ukraine has been the first war of its kind to combine open-source software with cutting-edge battlefield technology, harnessing commercial and military satellite imagery, drone technology, high and low sophistication cyber warfare, social media, open-source intelligence, uncrewed aerial and seaborne vehicles and information operations - as well as human and signals intelligence - at such incredible pace and scale. Most of all, it has underlined the imperative to adapt, experiment and innovate."

"These characteristics can be relied upon into the next century, as can our shared determination to remain champions for global peace and security."