covert action
Hidden government maneuvering
Covert action is secret activity by a government or organization to influence events abroad without revealing involvement.
Intelligence agencies conduct covert actions ranging from propaganda campaigns to regime change operations: The CIA's covert action in Guatemala toppled the government.
The term implies deniability—if exposed, officials can disclaim responsibility.
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- sleeper cellConcealed operatives awaiting orders
- dead dropSecret exchange location
surveillance · propaganda · subversion · hacking · tradecraft · need to know · plausible deniability · wet work · reconnaissance · back channel · regime change · proxy wars · black ops · deep cover · psychological warfare · disinformation · safe houses · counterintelligence
- espionagespy, spies, double agent, double agents, spying
- Spycraftspy, agent, asset, handler, clandestine
- Doublespeakcollateral damage, enhanced interrogation, friendly fire, regime change, neutralize
- military interventioninvasion, military intervention, coalition forces, allied forces, ground forces
- statecraftdiplomacy, ambassadors, envoys, summits, sanctions
- Secret OperationsCOINTELPRO, Bay of Pigs, Iran-Contra, black budget, PRISM
covert actiondeclared war
Formally announced military aggression
conventional warfare · public policy · traditional warfare · pitched battle