What are the motives behind spy killings?

Spy killings, also known as targeted assassinations, are often driven by various motives. One significant motive is state security and safeguarding national interests. Governments may eliminate foreign spies, traitors, or double agents to protect their classified information, maintain military advantage, or preserve diplomatic relations. Revenge and retribution also serve as motives, especially when a spy has betrayed their own country or inflicted significant damage to their former agency. Political motivations can come into play when a spy poses a threat to a regime's stability or challenges its authority. Additionally, spy killings can act as a deterrent, instilling fear in potential spies and dissuading others from engaging in espionage activities.

This mind map was published on 19 December 2023 and has been viewed 90 times.