spymaster
Runs clandestine networks
A spymaster is someone who directs espionage operations, typically running a network of agents and coordinating intelligence gathering.
The term evokes Cold War intrigue and fiction more than official job titles: He was the CIA's spymaster in Berlin during the 1960s.
The word combines operational authority with a suggestion of shadowy expertise.
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
- operativeCovert field agent
- agentOne who acts independently
- handlerOne who manages something
- assetItem of value owned
network · mole · sleeper · tradecraft · dead-drop · cipher · counterintelligence · infiltration
Concealed from authorities
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- covertIntentionally concealed
- compartmentalizedDivided into isolated sections
- need-to-knowAccess limited by necessity
anonymity · dead-drop · cipher · encrypted · hidden · deniability · shadow · cut-out
U.S. foreign intelligence service
- KGBUSSR intelligence service
- MI6UK espionage agency
- MossadIsraeli espionage service
- BerlinGermany's largest city
defection · proxy · Karla · Smiley · tradecraft · east-west · Moscow · Langley
Seeking new personnel
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
- exploitationSelfish use of others
grooming · inducement · leverage · honey-trap · blackmail · turning · false-flag · disinformation
Strategic board game
- planningArranging for future events
- operationsPlanned systematic activities
- analysisMethodical study of parts
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
counterintelligence · foresight · contingency · gambit · endgame · orchestration · compartmentalization · patience
intelligence
Mental ability, cognitive capacity
asset · network · mole · sleeper · tradecraft · dead-drop · cipher · counterintelligence · infiltration · reconnaissance
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- covertIntentionally concealed
- compartmentalizedDivided into isolated sections
need-to-know · anonymity · dead-drop · cipher · encrypted · hidden · deniability · shadow · cut-out · legend
CIA
U.S. foreign intelligence service
Berlin · defection · proxy · Karla · Smiley · tradecraft · east-west · Moscow · Langley · Stasi
recruitment
Seeking new personnel
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
exploitation · grooming · inducement · leverage · honey-trap · blackmail · turning · false-flag · disinformation · maneuvering
chess
Strategic board game
- planningArranging for future events
- operationsPlanned systematic activities
- analysisMethodical study of parts
coordination · counterintelligence · foresight · contingency · gambit · endgame · orchestration · compartmentalization · patience · calculation
- espionagedouble agent, double agents, spying, moles, secret agents
- spiesJames Bond, Jason Bourne, secret agent, Ethan Hunt, Austin Powers
- Spycraftagent, asset, covert, handler, clandestine
- court positionschamberlain, lady-in-waiting, lady in waiting, courtier, equerry
- royal advisorsadvisor, vizier, counselor, grand vizier, chancellor
- Spy AgenciesCIA, MI6, MI5, KGB, Mossad
spymasterfield agent
Deployed intelligence operative
spy · asset · mole · informant · case officer
spymasterwhistleblower
Insider who reports misconduct
press secretary · leaker · investigative journalist · public servant · journalist