Does the US Government Monitor US Citizens Abroad?

The question of whether the US government, including agencies like the FBI, CIA, and NSA, monitors US citizens abroad has sparked considerable debate. While it is widely believed that these agencies do not have the resources or the need to constantly surveil every American abroad, there are instances where specific individuals may be monitored due to specialized circumstances or interest.

Similarities and Functions of the Agencies

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Security Agency (NSA) share several key similarities. They are all required to take an oath to defend the Constitution. However, their primary functions differ. The CIA focuses on collecting and analyzing foreign intelligence, the FBI is responsible for investigating criminal activities within the United States, and the NSA specializes in signals intelligence and cybersecurity.

If you find yourself in trouble abroad, it is advisable to contact your nearest US Embassy. In cases where there is an interest in your activities, especially if it pertains to national security or foreign affairs, these agencies may engage in intelligence gathering. However, widespread, constant monitoring of all Americans abroad is not a realistic proposition given the scope and resources required for such an endeavor.

Real-life Incidents

One memorable instance occurred when the author was teaching in New Taipei City. His laptop was stolen from his classroom, and an attempt was made to purchase it back from the thief. This led to a series of unusual events, including an encounter with a suspiciously well-spoken Taiwanese girl who seemed to manage the situation more smoothly than expected, despite the author's initial preconceptions.

The girl led the author on a walk to her apartment where her boyfriend was allegedly cleaning the laptop. This scenario was unconventional, as it diverged from the author's expectations and the typical Taiwanese practices. The author observed that the girl's behavior and appearance were those of someone from a higher socio-economic background, which was rare in the area.

Despite the girl's apparent composure, the laptop's subsequent retrieval raised more questions than answers. The author's obsession with understanding the situation led him to spend days and weeks monitoring the girl's social media pages. This included observing her artistic talent and the nature of her photographs, which alluded to a creative background in art.

Analysis and Conclusion

The events described paint a picture where surveillance and monitoring can occur, but are not done on a broad, continuous basis. The case of the stolen laptop and the subsequent purchase involves specific and apparent intentional management rather than a random act. The author suggests that while the US government may have the technology and ability, the resources are not allocated for generalized monitoring. Instead, monitoring is selective and based on specific interests or potential threats.

Based on the information available, it is highly unlikely that the government monitors most US citizens abroad primarily for curiosity or vague curiosity. The incidents discussed, while unusual, represent isolated cases where specific actions were of particular interest, such as possibly securing information or understanding the behavior of certain individuals.

In conclusion, while the resources to monitor all Americans abroad are not available, the possibility of selective monitoring due to specific interests remains. This highlights the complex balance between individual privacy and national security concerns.