Recently, intelligence officials from several nations, including US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, met in Delhi; the future of the Five Eyes remains uncertain.

Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance

• About: The Five Eyes alliance, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, is one of the world’s most powerful intelligence-sharing networks.
• Background: Formed during World War II, it played a crucial role in monitoring Soviet communications during the Cold War and later expanded to counterterrorism and cybersecurity efforts.

Origins and Evolution of the Five Eyes

• 1946: US-UK intelligence-sharing agreement based on World War II cooperation.
• 1948: Canada joined.
• 1956: Australia and New Zealand joined, expanding the alliance across the Anglosphere.
• Cold War: Focused on Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications.
• Post 9/11: Expanded to counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
• Recent Years: Shifted focus to China, particularly in cybersecurity threats and Huawei’s 5G networks.

Strategic Developments

• Security Concerns : In 2018, Five Eyes intelligence chiefs warned about Huawei’s security risks. Led to a coordinated effort to exclude Huawei from Western infrastructure and persuade non-Western allies to do the same. 
  • Increased intelligence cooperation with Asian partners, especially Japan.
• Military Expansion: The Anglosphere’s military collaboration has strengthened, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
• AUKUS Agreement: US & UK assisting Australia in nuclear-powered submarine development. Discussions about integrating Canada & New Zealand under Pillar 2 of AUKUS. 
  • Despite past minor disputes, the Five Eyes maintained cohesion—until recent tensions emerged from within.

Issues and Criticisms regarding Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance

• Internal Crisis: The alliance now faces unprecedented internal challenges, largely due to significant shifts in US foreign policy under Donald Trump’s second term:
  • Rapprochement with Russia
  • Push for a ceasefire in Ukraine
  • Weakened EU and NATO ties
  • Dismantling of post-war US-Europe strategic consensus
• Disruptions by USA: Unlike past minor divergences among Five Eyes members, the current instability is caused by the US itself. It has launched an aggressive trade war with Canada. 
  • There is a suggestion to make Canada the “51st state.” A proposal to annex Greenland threatens Denmark, a key ally.
• Hostility Toward Britain: Beyond economic and territorial disputes, the Trump administration’s rhetoric toward Britain has turned increasingly hostile.
  • Senator J.D. Vance’s controversial remarks claimed that Britain is becoming the first Islamist nuclear power after Labour’s victory. 
  • This statement echoes a common right-wing narrative in the US about Islamist influence in Europe.
• Criticism: At the Munich Security Conference, Britain was accused of “woke politics” and censorship of right-wing views.
• Allegations against UK: Elon Musk accused the British PM of failing to address child exploitation. He also launched a poll on X, suggesting the US should “liberate” Britain from its government.
• Expulsion of Canada: Speculation in Washington suggests that Trump aides are considering Canada’s removal from the alliance due to trade and border security disputes. The White House has denied these reports, but concerns persist.
• Unpredictable Approach: The appointments of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel as FBI Director have raised alarm among Five Eyes allies. They fear that Trump’s unpredictable approach to intelligence-sharing could compromise security.
• Ideological Divide: Trump’s MAGA movement is increasingly at odds with traditional Anglosphere policies. 
  • The American right views Britain as a failing state dominated by regulation and progressive politics. Resentment extends to liberal leaders in the Anglosphere, Europe, and beyond.

Conclusion

As India hosts intelligence officials from key nations, this presents an opportunity to assess whether the Five Eyes crisis is temporary or permanent. It also allows India to reflect on the long-term implications for global intelligence-sharing and to develop stronger intelligence diplomacy in a changing world order.

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