The influence of the KGB, even today, remains a significant topic of discussion in the context of Russian activities in the United States. Although the KGB itself was dissolved in 1991, its legacy endures through successor agencies, particularly the SVR (Foreign Intelligence Service). The KGB's past methods and tactics continue to shape how Russian intelligence operates and influences various aspects of American society and politics.

1. Espionage and Intelligence Gathering: The KGB's primary function was to gather intelligence, and this aspect has continued through modern Russian intelligence operations. The agency utilized resident spies who were often integrated into American society, facilitating operations under the radar. According to an entry on Russian espionage in the United States, the methods and networks established during the KGB era still impact current espionage practices.

2. Disinformation and Psychological Operations: The KGB was instrumental in employing disinformation tactics, aiming to shape public perception and influence democratic processes. A former KGB spy described disinformation techniques employed in past operations which shockingly included funding efforts to sow division in American society, as noted in a CNN article. The various tactics developed by the KGB are still relevant today, as they have evolved into sophisticated forms of digital disinformation, especially during electoral events.

3. Political Influence and Manipulation: Former KGB operatives have suggested that Russian agencies have continued to cultivate relationships with certain individuals in American politics to promote specific agendas. Notably, articles have suggested that former President Donald Trump was cultivated as a Russian asset over several decades, illustrating how the KGB's legacy may play a role in political manipulation. This claim is detailed in a Guardian article.

4. Cultural and Ideological Influence: In a broader sense, some commentators argue that the KGB laid the groundwork for present-day society's challenges in the U.S. A piece in The Hill discusses how the KGB's strategies potentially contributed to the current political and social dysfunction in the United States, suggesting that long-term ideological manipulation has had lasting impacts.

Overall, the legacy of the KGB continues to be evident in the techniques and strategies of modern Russian intelligence operations in the United States, affecting both domestic security and the political landscape.

Sources

Russian espionage in the United States - Wikipedia39 years ago, a KGB defector chillingly predicted modern AmericaOnly the KGB could have planted the seeds for our dysfunctional US ...Russian Meddling in the United States: The Historical ... - CSIS'The perfect target': Russia cultivated Trump as asset for 40 yearsA former KGB spy talks disinformation tactics and the 2020 electionSoviet espionage in the United States - Wikipedia

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