T H E SIT UAT ION R E PORT IN BR IE F ily by economic considerations, rank first and second in this respect. The broader trend, extending to numerous other states, toward attempting to assert interests increasingly by force rather than through legal channels or multinational bodies could increasingly lead to serious criminal acts such as kidnappings or killings being carried out at the behest of the state. Foreign intelligence services will probably play a role in preparing and executing such actions and dealing with the subsequent aftermath. The use of cyber tools as a key instrument in the exercise of power by nations will probably also continue to grow in importance. SIT UAT ION R E PORT 2 0 1 9 | FIS 13