There are no rules among nation-states.  Any that you believe to exist, exist only at the whim of the most powerful states in the system. The only true international law is the law of the jungle. Many argue otherwise, but the minute that the survival of their freedom or prosperity hangs in the balance, they would unleash the most barbarous terrors on their enemy for a chance of victory.<p>A nation that doesn&#x27;t spy on others is irrational and suicidal. Your enemy will not reciprocate your naivete. They will exploit it and enslave you.<p>A nation that doesn&#x27;t punish spies (or their masters) caught within its territories is similarly irrational. The fear of death (or imprisonment) makes your enemy cautious and less effective.<p>The only morality in the international system is the morality of your own victory and what you do with it.  In victory, you can spread peace, freedom, and prosperity to your heart&#x27;s content.  In defeat, your ideals are worthless.