The Resilience of the Five Eyes Alliance Amidst Political Turmoil

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance, a cornerstone of global security, is poised to endure the current political upheaval in Washington, according to Richard Kerbaj, a renowned journalist and filmmaker. In his recent interview with Mercedes Stephenson on The West Block, Kerbaj emphasized the alliance’s ability to navigate political disagreements, much like it has done for decades. As the author of The Secret History of the Five Eyes, Kerbaj offers a unique perspective on the alliance’s enduring strength. "The Five Eyes has been around for a long time now—six, seven, eight decades, depending on how far back you trace its roots," he remarked. "It has survived every single administration and government that it served. And I like to think that regardless of what it’s hit by, it will continue to do so." This sentiment underscores the alliance’s resilience and its ability to transcend political challenges, ensuring the continued sharing of critical intelligence among its member states.

A Historical Perspective on the Five Eyes Alliance

The Five Eyes alliance, comprising Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, traces its origins back to the Second World War. Born out of the cooperation between British and American intelligence agencies, the alliance has evolved over the decades, becoming a pivotal framework for global security. At its core, the alliance revolves around the sharing of sensitive intelligence and the conduct of joint spy operations. This collaboration extends to both ground operations and electronic surveillance, including signals collection and analysis over the internet and telecommunications systems. The alliance’s longevity is a testament to the shared values and mutual trust among its member nations, which have allowed it to adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes.

Despite its historical roots, the Five Eyes alliance remains as relevant today as it was during its inception. It serves as a critical platform for addressing modern security challenges, from cyber threats to terrorism. The alliance’s ability to pool resources and expertise has made it an indispensable tool for its member states, enabling them to tackle complex issues that transcend national borders. As Kerbaj noted, the Five Eyes has weathered numerous political storms, including disagreements between its member countries. This ability to persevere through adversity highlights the alliance’s robust structure and the deep-seated trust among its partners.

Canada’s Role as a "Net Importer" of Intelligence

Within the Five Eyes alliance, Canada plays a unique role as a "net importer" of intelligence. This means that Canada receives more intelligence from its partners than it contributes. While this dynamic might raise questions about Canada’s role in the alliance, Kerbaj emphasizes the value that Canada brings to the table. "Canada has contributed greatly in that area, not just because of its geography and its proximity and its capabilities, reach in the Arctic and have a good ear into eastern Russia or a capability across Latin America, but also because of its judgment," he explained. Canada’s strategic location, coupled with its analytical expertise, makes it an invaluable partner in the alliance.

The financial aspect of intelligence gathering is another important consideration. The United States, for instance, spends roughly $100 billion annually on its intelligence agencies—about 10 times more than the combined spending of the other four member states. While this financial disparity might seem significant, Kerbaj argues that money alone does not guarantee security. "As much as money can buy you satellites and submarines and surveillance, it doesn’t protect. It doesn’t guarantee security. What guarantees you security is access and access to great information, great judgment, great analysis," he said. This perspective highlights the importance of Canada’s contributions, which go beyond monetary investments to include critical insights and expertise.

The Impact of Political Tensions on Intelligence Sharing

One of the most pressing questions surrounding the Five Eyes alliance is how political tensions, particularly those involving the United States, might impact intelligence sharing. U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of allied countries, including Canada, for not meeting NATO’s defense spending target of two percent of GDP. Trump has even suggested raising this target to five percent, a proposal that has sparked significant debate. Canada currently allocates 1.37 percent of its GDP to defense, with a plan to reach the two percent target by 2032. While Trump has not directly criticized the intelligence contributions of Canada and other allies, any disruption to American intelligence sharing could have far-reaching consequences for national security.

Kerbaj, however, remains optimistic about the alliance’s ability to navigate these challenges. He points to the deep-rooted trust and cooperation that underpin the Five Eyes partnership. "I like to think that regardless of what it’s hit by, it will continue to do so," he said, reflecting on the alliance’s enduring resilience. While political disagreements are inevitable, the mutual benefits of intelligence sharing are likely to outweigh any short-term tensions. The Five Eyes alliance has proven time and again that it can adapt to changing political landscapes while maintaining its core mission of safeguarding national security.

The Future of the Five Eyes Alliance

Looking ahead, the Five Eyes alliance is likely to face new challenges, from emerging cyber threats to shifting geopolitical dynamics. However, its ability to evolve and adapt positions it well to address these challenges. The alliance’s success is not solely dependent on financial investments or military might but on the shared commitment of its member states to collaboration and mutual trust. As Kerbaj noted, the true strength of the Five Eyes lies in its ability to leverage the unique strengths of each member state, from Canada’s strategic location to the United States’ vast resources.

In an increasingly uncertain world, the Five Eyes alliance remains a vital institution for global security. Its ability to weather political storms, as seen in recent years, is a testament to its resilience. As long as its member states continue to prioritize cooperation and trust, the Five Eyes alliance will remain a cornerstone of international security for decades to come.