Mass surveillance, as it emerged in the late 20th century, was heavily influenced by the geopolitical climate of the time. The early 1990s marked the end of the Cold War, a period that left the world’s dominant powers—particularly the United States and its closest allies—positioned as the primary architects of global security. With this newfound hegemony came a belief that they had both the right and the responsibility to shape international affairs in accordance with their strategic interests. This often translated into policies that prioritized control and preemptive action over considerations of privacy, sovereignty, or the perspectives of other nations.
By the mid-1990s, rapid technological advancements made it possible to collect and process vast amounts of data. Intelligence agencies, particularly in the West, expanded their capabilities, often without significant oversight. The justification for such programs rested on the need to maintain security in an increasingly interconnected world, yet this approach frequently sidelined concerns about personal freedoms and the rights of foreign nations. Surveillance programs grew in both scope and sophistication, particularly following pivotal events that heightened security anxieties.
This mindset—centered on the idea that certain global powers could act unilaterally—became a defining characteristic of international security policies. It reinforced a perception that surveillance was not merely a tool for intelligence gathering but an essential mechanism for maintaining geopolitical dominance. The long-term consequences included growing distrust among allies, domestic debates over civil liberties, and increasing resistance from other global players who sought to challenge the prevailing balance of power.
Stephen D Green and AI, March 2025
“Israel has sinned”, says the LORD. The eagle overhead is the sign.
