Former MI6 Agent Claims the West Is Facing a Spy Shortage
According to Harry Ferguson, young people are increasingly focused on issues such as climate change and human rights. Read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Young people are increasingly focused on issues such as climate change and human rights, according to Harry Ferguson, a former British intelligence operative.
As reported by Australia’s ABC News, Western intelligence agencies are struggling to attract new recruits as younger generations shift their priorities toward these existential concerns. Ferguson, who served with MI6 for decades, highlighted a growing disillusionment among youth regarding traditional intelligence work.
“From 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan and at this very moment if you look at what’s happening in Gaza and in Lebanon, a lot of young people are saying, ‘Why would I want to contribute to that, when you’re not doing any good?’,” Ferguson shared.
He observed that the context of threats has changed since his recruitment, pointing out that there was once a “clear enemy to fight.” Nowadays, the challenges facing the world are more complex. While young people still aspire to contribute positively to society, they now seek to do so by addressing pressing issues like climate change and human rights.
“The effects of that are slightly different in each country, but we are noticing that this cultural shift is a political shift and the desire to not make the world a worse place is actually affecting recruitment,” he added, emphasizing that this trend is influencing intelligence services across the Western world.
In response, British and Australian intelligence agencies have initiated social media campaigns and adjusted hiring criteria in hopes of improving recruitment. Nonetheless, they continue to struggle in establishing a connection with younger individuals.
In Australia, experts have pointed out a lack of skilled workers in geopolitics, as many in their early 20s view climate change as a more pressing threat than hostile nations. Afeeya Akhand from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute stated that Western spy agencies need to redefine national security to encompass issues like COVID and climate change. She emphasized the importance of integrating younger perspectives and demonstrating to them how they can engage with these issues through security and government channels.
Ferguson noted that young people with a passion for the environment and human rights could prove to be valuable assets for intelligence services, possessing various skills that they may not yet recognize, and potentially becoming “superb agent runners” capable of operating undercover.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
As reported by Australia’s ABC News, Western intelligence agencies are struggling to attract new recruits as younger generations shift their priorities toward these existential concerns. Ferguson, who served with MI6 for decades, highlighted a growing disillusionment among youth regarding traditional intelligence work.
“From 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan and at this very moment if you look at what’s happening in Gaza and in Lebanon, a lot of young people are saying, ‘Why would I want to contribute to that, when you’re not doing any good?’,” Ferguson shared.
He observed that the context of threats has changed since his recruitment, pointing out that there was once a “clear enemy to fight.” Nowadays, the challenges facing the world are more complex. While young people still aspire to contribute positively to society, they now seek to do so by addressing pressing issues like climate change and human rights.
“The effects of that are slightly different in each country, but we are noticing that this cultural shift is a political shift and the desire to not make the world a worse place is actually affecting recruitment,” he added, emphasizing that this trend is influencing intelligence services across the Western world.
In response, British and Australian intelligence agencies have initiated social media campaigns and adjusted hiring criteria in hopes of improving recruitment. Nonetheless, they continue to struggle in establishing a connection with younger individuals.
In Australia, experts have pointed out a lack of skilled workers in geopolitics, as many in their early 20s view climate change as a more pressing threat than hostile nations. Afeeya Akhand from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute stated that Western spy agencies need to redefine national security to encompass issues like COVID and climate change. She emphasized the importance of integrating younger perspectives and demonstrating to them how they can engage with these issues through security and government channels.
Ferguson noted that young people with a passion for the environment and human rights could prove to be valuable assets for intelligence services, possessing various skills that they may not yet recognize, and potentially becoming “superb agent runners” capable of operating undercover.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
