David Vigneault said that during his seven years leading Canada’s intelligence service, he witnessed a dramatic shift from counterterrorism to competition among major world powers.
He explained that the focus of intelligence work now revolves around technology, military modernization and strategic dominance areas heavily influenced by espionage targeting research institutions.
China and Russia are among the main actors driving this new environment. Both nations are aggressively pursuing ways to accelerate their capabilities through information theft and covert operations.
This shift has forced Western intelligence agencies to adapt, reassess their priorities and develop new strategies to protect innovation and national interests.
Vigneault believes this trend will intensify, requiring stronger partnerships between governments, academic institutions and private companies to safeguard critical knowledge.
Ex-Spy Chief: Espionage Landscape Has Shifted from Terrorism to Great Power Competition
