An intelligence expert raises alarms about the West’s struggle in a covert conflict with Russia, highlighting serious concerns for national security.
London: A decorated intelligence expert is sounding the alarm about the West’s ongoing shadow war with Russia. Bryan Stern, a former US naval officer, believes the West is losing ground in this covert conflict.
He points out that the recent sighting of a Russian spy ship in British waters is just a small part of a much larger issue. Stern argues that Russia operates in a “grey zone,” where their spies can act without the same legal constraints that the West faces.
According to him, the West is too cautious and risk-averse, which hampers effective counter-intelligence efforts. He warns that if a D-Day-style operation were to happen today, the West would likely struggle to succeed.
Stern emphasizes that while the West has superior resources, it lacks the will to act decisively. He notes that Russia’s unconventional tactics give them an edge, allowing them to operate more freely in this shadowy arena.
He also mentions that the grey zone includes various clandestine operations, from cyber-attacks to sabotage. The expert believes that the West needs to recognize the seriousness of the situation and adapt its strategies accordingly.
In his view, the current culture within Western intelligence agencies is too focused on management rather than decisive action. He argues that if the West doesn’t change its approach, it risks falling further behind in this ongoing conflict.
Ultimately, Stern’s insights serve as a wake-up call for Western nations to reassess their strategies in dealing with Russia and other adversaries in this complex and dangerous landscape.
