@KnowledgeisKeytoSuccess

What are the recent allegations of US spying on Denmark and Greenland?
Allegations have surfaced that the United States has instructed its intelligence agencies to intensify espionage on Greenland and Copenhagen. According to reports, US intelligence operatives have been tasked with gathering information on Greenland's politicians, independence activists, and mining interests. This information could potentially be used to influence a future purchase or forced transfer of Greenland to the US. Denmark's foreign affairs minister expressed surprise and called in the acting head of the US embassy in Copenhagen regarding these highly charged claims. The US State Department has declined to comment on the allegations, while the Director of National Intelligence stated she was opening an investigation into leaks of classified information.

Why are the Danes particularly offended by the alleged US spying?
The Danes are affronted by these allegations because they view the US as a large, powerful nation undermining an ally and fellow member of NATO. The alleged actions appear to be a breach of trust between close partners.
How do the alleged US actions in Greenland relate to a broader trend of allies spying on each other?
The alleged US spying on Greenland and Denmark is presented as an example of a broader trend where countries that consider themselves allies are increasingly engaging in espionage against one another. The text also highlights a reported Hungarian spy ring in Ukraine, allegedly collecting military data for Russia, despite Hungary being an EU and NATO member. Even countries loosely considered allies, such as North Korea and China, have reportedly been involved in spying on each other. These instances suggest a remaking of the world order where perceived allies are discovering they could be adversaries.

What is "regulation by revelation" and how does it apply to the alleged US spying incident?
"Regulation by revelation," as described by intelligence historian Richard Aldrich, refers to the idea that intelligence efforts against allies are typically only curtailed when they become public scandals. The alleged US spying on Greenland and Denmark is presented as a "window into intelligence business" that may be subject to this process. Historically, inquiries into such operations have resulted in minor censure, pledges to avoid repetition, and process changes. What will happen in this specific case remains unclear, especially given the perceived immunity of the Trump administration to public and political challenge.

How has technology contributed to the increase in spying between allies?
Technology has made it significantly easier and cheaper for nations to spy on each other. Methods like communications intercepts, satellite imagery, and open-source data analysis have become more accessible and less expensive. Furthermore, advancements in machine analytics, computing power, and data storage allow for more in-depth insights from collected data. This increased technological capability drives the demand for intelligence, even during peacetime, as nations seek to understand the thoughts and actions of other leaders and their populations.

Besides ease of execution, what other factors are driving increased spying among nations?
In addition to technological ease, the current unstable global environment is a significant factor driving aggressive spying. Nations are motivated to understand potential conflicts, their causes, forces, and consequences to inform their defense posture. Intelligence is crucial for deciding on military equipment, stockpiling resources, and personnel needs. It serves both to avoid being surprised and to create opportunities to surprise others, functioning as another tool of statecraft.

Are there historical precedents for allies spying on each other?
Yes, the practice of nations spying on their allies is not new. The text mentions the US purchase of the Swiss encrypted communications company Crypto AG during the Cold War. The US allegedly sold secure communication devices with weakened security, allowing them to listen in on countries using the devices and gather intelligence. This operation is seen as a precursor to widespread intelligence practices by agencies like the US National Security Agency.

What are the potential long-term implications of these recent spying revelations for international relations?
The recent revelations, particularly the alleged US spying on Denmark and Hungary's suspected spying for Russia, highlight increasing distrust among international allies and within alliances like NATO and the EU. These incidents contribute to a sense that international allies and alliances are becoming less trustworthy as part of what the text describes as "tectonic shifts in global geopolitics." The lack of perceived restraint on US power in instances like the Greenland case may also lead other nations to rely more heavily on their own intelligence capabilities. Intelligence could become a policy area causing further uncertainty about a nation's foreign policy objectives, similar to how tariffs and trade are used.