What is espionage?

Espionage is the practice of obtaining secret or confidential information without the permission of the holder of the information. It often involves covert operations and is typically conducted by governments, intelligence agencies, or organizations to gather political, military, or economic intelligence. Espionage can include activities such as surveillance, infiltration, and the use of undercover agents. The information collected is used to gain an advantage over adversaries or competitors. Espionage is illegal in most countries and can carry severe penalties if caught.