What does espionage primarily involve?

Espionage primarily involves the collection of information that is sensitive and can potentially cause harm to national security or defense. This typically includes intelligence-gathering activities where individuals or organizations covertly obtain documents, communications, and other data from governments or military establishments. Such information is often classified and is crucial for maintaining a nation's security and strategic advantages.

In the context of espionage, the focus is on the danger and implications of revealing or exploiting the acquired information, particularly if it involves military capabilities, defense strategies, or security operations. The essence of espionage lies in its clandestine nature and the potential threat it poses to national interests, making it fundamentally different from benign information gathering or research activities, which do not carry the same risks or consequences.