TLDR;
The Chief of MI6, Richard Moore, delivered a speech in Prague, addressing current geopolitical issues and the evolving role of intelligence services. He highlighted the ongoing war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by Russia and China, and the impact of artificial intelligence on espionage. Moore extended an invitation to Russians disillusioned with Putin's regime to cooperate with MI6, emphasising the agency's commitment to protecting its agents and upholding human values. The speech also touched on the importance of diversity within MI6 and the need to adapt to technological advancements while preserving human agency.
- MI6's core business is recruiting and running agents in challenging environments.
- The agency prioritises the safety and loyalty to its agents.
- Ukraine's counter-offensive is progressing, and support from allies remains strong.
- Russia's actions in Africa are exploitative and destabilising.
- China is a major strategic focus, particularly regarding data control and AI.
- AI presents both opportunities and threats, requiring ethical and safe implementation.
Opening Remarks: MI6's Core Values and the Current Geopolitical Landscape [0:00]
Richard Moore opens by defining MI6's core business as recruiting and managing agents in the world's most challenging locations. He stresses the importance of building relationships based on empathy, confidence, and understanding with individuals who choose to work with them, often at great personal risk. Secrecy is maintained to protect agents and ensure the effectiveness of their work. Moore highlights the agency's belief in the presence of good people in all nations, referencing Russians who opposed the 1968 invasion of Prague and drawing parallels to Russians today who are appalled by the war in Ukraine. He extends an invitation to these individuals to join forces with MI6, assuring them of discretion, professionalism, and the safety of their secrets, with the shared goal of ending the bloodshed.
Honouring the Past and Supporting Ukraine's Future [3:07]
Moore underscores MI6's lifelong loyalty to its agents by recounting the story of "Ecclesiastic," a woman who worked for MI6 during World War II and was cared for by the agency in her retirement. Her ashes were scattered in the English Channel, symbolising the Allied effort to liberate Europe. He draws a parallel to the current war in Ukraine, stating that it will only end when Ukraine is sovereign and free. Moore notes Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive and its innovative use of technology, expressing optimism about their progress. He urges Ukraine's allies to maintain their support, while criticising nations like Iran for aiding Russia's aggression.
Russia's Exploitation in Africa and the Focus on China [5:42]
Moore condemns Russia's exploitation of African nations through the Wagner Group, which offers security in exchange for mineral rights, citing the Central African Republic and Mali as examples. He questions the reliability of these mercenaries, given their recent mutiny in Russia. Despite the challenges posed by Russia, Moore states that China is now the primary strategic focus of MI6. He highlights China's expanding global influence and its practice of offering deals that appear beneficial but often lead to data traps and diluted sovereignty.
AI and the Future of Intelligence [9:13]
Moore addresses the impact of artificial intelligence on intelligence services, noting that while AI can enhance information accessibility, it also creates new avenues for disinformation. He argues that human intelligence will become even more valuable in discerning truth from fakery. MI6 is using AI to augment human judgment, particularly in disrupting the flow of weapons to Russia. Moore acknowledges the potential for AI to predict human behaviour but emphasises the enduring importance of human relationships built on trust and empathy. He expects MI6 to be increasingly involved in obtaining intelligence on the unethical use of AI by hostile states.
Ethical AI and the UK's Advantages [12:03]
Moore asserts MI6's commitment to winning the race to master the ethical and safe use of AI. While China has advantages in data collection, the UK benefits from its values, entrepreneurial spirit, technology, and partnerships. He expresses hope for global coordination on AI, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Moore highlights the UK's concentration of tech companies, universities, and research centres, emphasising the importance of openness, debate, and the free exchange of ideas in fostering innovation. He concludes by referencing the Czech people's resilience in the face of oppression, underscoring the competitive edge that freedom provides.
Interview: Reflections on Prague, Ukraine, and Russia [16:53]
Moore discusses the significance of Prague as a location for his speech, drawing parallels between the crushing of the Prague Spring in 1968 and the current situation in Ukraine. He notes that the events of 1968 led some Russians to defect and offer their help to MI6. Regarding Ukraine, Moore acknowledges the difficulties of the counter-offensive but remains optimistic, citing the resolve of Ukraine's allies. He clarifies that it is up to Ukraine to define the terms of peace, and the UK's role is to support them in achieving the strongest possible negotiating position.
Intelligence Support for Ukraine and the Wagner Group [21:32]
Moore responds to allegations that British intelligence is providing targeting information to Ukraine, stating that the UK supports Ukraine's right to defend itself. He describes the Wagner Group's aborted rebellion as an extraordinary event, highlighting the confusion surrounding Yevgeny Prigozhin's status. Moore suggests that the rebellion indicates Putin's inability to contain the fallout from the invasion of Ukraine, with the casualties suffered by Russian forces contributing to instability within Russia.
Putin's State of Mind and the Offer to Disaffected Russians [24:51]
Moore acknowledges that Putin is under pressure, as evidenced by the Wagner Group's advance towards Moscow. He notes that Putin's rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons is irresponsible and designed to weaken support for Ukraine. Moore reiterates his invitation to Russians who are disillusioned with Putin's regime to come to MI6, assuring them that their secrets will be safe. He draws a parallel to the Prague Spring, stating that MI6 is seeing an increase in Russians seeking to help bring an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine.
Intelligence Sharing and China's Influence [29:32]
Moore addresses a recent leak from German intelligence, expressing empathy for his German partners and reaffirming their strong working relationship. He then discusses China, noting that the UK's parliamentary intelligence and security committee has issued a report on Chinese interference and influence. Moore reiterates that MI6 now devotes more resources to China than any other mission, reflecting the need to understand the Chinese government's intent and capabilities. He acknowledges the interconnectedness of threats posed by China, Russia, and Iran, noting that these countries are aligning themselves with each other.
Values, Diversity, and AI [35:13]
Moore defends the values that MI6 stands for, despite criticisms of Western hypocrisy. He emphasises the importance of focusing on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the atrocities being committed. Moore addresses the issue of diversity within MI6, stating that he wants the service to better represent the country it serves, as diversity brings greater creativity and problem-solving abilities. He clarifies that MI6 does not engage in culture wars. Finally, Moore discusses the application of AI in intelligence, noting that while it can help sift through data, the more important concern is the potential for adversaries to develop AI in reckless and dangerous ways. He stresses the importance of preserving human agency over technology.