Crucial Five Eyes intelligence pact will outlast U.S. turmoil, expert says

The Resilience of the Five Eyes Alliance in Turbulent Times

Canada’s most important security and intelligence alliance, the Five Eyes, is well-equipped to endure the current political upheaval in Washington, D.C., according to journalist and filmmaker Richard Kerbaj. In an interview with The West Block’s Mercedes Stephenson, Kerbaj emphasized the enduring nature of the alliance, which has survived decades of political disagreements and shifts in governance. The Five Eyes, comprising Canada, the United States, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, traces its roots back to World War II, when British and American intelligence agencies first collaborated. Over the years, it has grown into a robust partnership that shares sensitive intelligence and conducts joint operations, both on the ground and through electronic surveillance. Despite the challenges posed by the unpredictable political climate in Washington, Kerbaj remains optimistic about the alliance’s ability to weather the storm. “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 said. “It’s 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.”

The Five Eyes Alliance: A Partnership Forged in Trust

At its core, the Five Eyes alliance is built on trust and cooperation. It began during World War II, when British and American intelligence agencies shared critical information to counter Nazi Germany. Over the decades, the alliance has expanded to include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, creating a network of five English-speaking nations that share intelligence, coordinate operations, and work together to address global security threats. The partnership is unique in that it allows member countries to bypass the formalities of diplomatic channels, enabling them to share sensitive information quickly and efficiently. The alliance operates on the principle of reciprocity, with each country contributing its unique capabilities and expertise to the collective effort. While the U.S. is the largest contributor, providing the bulk of the resources and technology, other member states bring their own strengths to the table. For instance, Canada’s geographical proximity to the Arctic and its diplomatic ties to Eastern Europe and Latin America make it a valuable partner in gathering intelligence on regions critical to global security.

Canada’s Role as a “Net Importer” of Intelligence

Canada is often described as a “net importer” of intelligence within the Five Eyes alliance, meaning it receives more intelligence from its partners than it contributes. This dynamic is not unique to Canada; smaller nations often rely more heavily on the resources and capabilities of larger members, such as the United States. However, this does not diminish Canada’s importance to the alliance. The country’s strategic location, diverse population, and diplomatic outreach provide unique advantages that complement the efforts of its partners. For example, Canada’s proximity to the Arctic allows it to monitor activities in a region that is increasingly important for global trade and security. Additionally, Canada’s cultural and linguistic ties to both Europe and the Americas give it a distinct perspective on global affairs, enabling it to gather and analyze intelligence that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Funding Debate: Contributions to the Alliance

One issue that has sparked debate in recent years is the question of financial contributions to the alliance. U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of allied nations, including Canada, for not meeting NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP. Trump has even suggested raising the target to 5% of GDP, arguing that smaller nations are not doing their fair share to support collective security efforts. Canada currently spends 1.37% of its GDP on defense and has pledged to increase this to 2% by 2032. While Trump’s criticisms have primarily focused on military spending, the issue of intelligence sharing has also come into play. The U.S. spends approximately $100 billion annually on its intelligence agencies, a sum that dwarfs the combined expenditures of the other four members of the Five Eyes. However, Kerbaj cautions against measuring a country’s contribution solely by its financial investment. “As much as money can buy you satellites and submarines and surveillance, it doesn’t protect. It doesn’t guarantee security,” he said. “What guarantees you security is access and access to great information, great judgment, great analysis.”

Beyond Funding: The True Value of Canada’s Contributions

While financial contributions are an important aspect of any alliance, they are not the only measure of a nation’s value. Canada’s contributions to the Five Eyes go beyond its budgetary allocations. The country’s intelligence agencies are known for their analytical expertise and their ability to interpret complex data, providing actionable insights that benefit the entire alliance. Canadian intelligence officers have also played a crucial role in gathering information on the ground, particularly in regions where Canada has historical or cultural ties. For instance, Canada’s close relationship with Ukraine and its knowledge of Eastern Europe have been invaluable in recent years, as the alliance has sought to understand and respond to Russian aggression in the region. Additionally, Canada’s commitment to multilateralism and its reputation as a trusted partner have helped to strengthen the alliance as a whole. “Canada has contributed greatly in that area,” Kerbaj said, “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.”

The Future of the Five Eyes Alliance

Looking ahead, the Five Eyes alliance is likely to remain a cornerstone of global intelligence sharing, despite the challenges posed by shifting political landscapes. The partnership has proven itself to be resilient, adapting to new threats and evolving to meet the needs of its members. However, the alliance will need to continue to demonstrate its value in a world where security threats are increasingly complex and multifaceted. Cybersecurity, terrorism, and the rise of great power competition are just a few of the challenges that the Five Eyes will need to address in the years to come. By leveraging the unique strengths of each member nation and maintaining a commitment to cooperation and trust, the alliance is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on. As Kerbaj noted, the true strength of the Five Eyes lies not in its resources or technology, but in the people who make up its ranks—analysts, operatives, and policymakers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep their nations safe. Together, they are the backbone of an alliance that has endured for decades and will likely continue to do so for many years to come.