CIA and MI6 Chiefs Warn of Unprecedented Threats to Global Order

CIA Director Bill Burns and UK MI6 Chief Richard Moore issued a stark warning on Saturday, stating that the world order is “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War.” In a joint op-ed published in the Financial Times, the two intelligence leaders emphasized the critical importance of their nations’ partnership as they confront an “unprecedented array of threats,” primarily from Russia, China, and the Middle East.

Burns and Moore highlighted the enduring alliance between the United States and the UK, describing each other as “no more trusted or esteemed allies.” They stressed the need to “stay the course” in their support for Ukraine, where both countries have been leading financial and military backers in the fight against Russia’s invasion, which began in February 2022. The spy chiefs also revealed that they are leveraging advanced AI and cloud technologies to manage the vast amounts of data collected in their operations.

The publication of the op-ed comes just days ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington on September 13, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden. Their discussions will focus on continued support for Ukraine and efforts to achieve a truce in Gaza, according to a White House statement released on Friday.

The meeting occurs as the US and UK face diverging stances on Israel. The UK recently suspended 30 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns that the weapons could be used in violation of international law in Gaza, which has been devastated by ongoing conflict.