Difference Between Espionage and Treason

Key Difference – Espionage vs Treason

 

Espionage and Treason are two terms that need a thorough understanding to understand the difference between these two terms. First let us define the two words. Espionage may be defined as the act or practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information. On the other hand, treason may be defined as a violation of allegiance toward one’s country or sovereign. The definitions of the two terms mentioned above say that espionage can lead to treason and treason too can lead to espionage. On the other hand, it should be known for sure that both are different from each other.

What is Espionage?

Espionage may be defined as the act or practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information. If you can take the example of the legendary character James Bond you can understand the difference between espionage and treason better. James Bond does espionage regularly as a measure of safety to his nation and against foreign attacks, but he does not engage in treason in any case. In other words, it is understood that espionage can be committed in service of one’s country whereas treason cannot be committed in service of one’s country.

Corporate is an important type of espionage. It is carried out without treason by hiring a private investigator to prove the deception of a cheat. Hence, it should be known that all cases of espionage are not illegal.  Espionage can be against one’s country if one engages in the action of stealing the secrets of the government of one’s land or country.

In the same way moving away from the army, you serve especially during the time of a serious war is another kind of espionage. It is important to know that according to law a person can be charged separately with treason or separately with espionage or sometimes both. A person charged with corporate espionage by law is given heavy punishment. He is sometimes charged with crimes such as burglary and other kinds of theft too.

 

 What is Treason?

Treason may be defined as the violation of allegiance toward one’s country or sovereign. Treason is committed only against the safety of one’s country, unlike espionage. This is the main difference between espionage and treason.

Treason is also possible without espionage. If you provide some assistance to your enemy country without spying on your government, then it would amount to treason without espionage. This kind of treason consists in providing comfort and monetary aid to the enemies of your country. Treason without espionage also consists in providing arms and weapons to the enemy country without the knowledge of one’s country.

 

What is the Difference Between Espionage and Treason?

Definitions of Espionage and Treason:

Espionage: Espionage may be defined as the act or practice of spying or of using spies to obtain secret information.

Treason: Treason may be defined as a violation of allegiance toward one’s country or sovereign.

Characteristics of Espionage and Treason:

Service:

Espionage: Espionage can be committed in service of one’s country.

Treason: Treason cannot be committed in service of one’s country.

Corporate:

Espionage: Corporate is a type of espionage.

Treason: Corporate does not include treason.

 

 

 

Image Courtesy:

1. Espionage By Vlastimil from Opava, Czech republic (Dalekohled) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

2. John Brown – Treason Broadside By unattributed, Somersworth [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons