This increasing internationalization of many high technology fields, combined with the increased number and variety of countries conducting intelligence operations against the United States, may increase the prevalence of conflicting loyalties. Most personnel with access to classified information have the opportunity to betray, and many have a financial or other personal motive to do so. Moral values, loyalty, and fear are the bedrock on which security is built. The stigma commonly associated with betraying one's country also plays a role. Any social changes that erode these inhibitions to betrayal are likely to increase its frequency.
Morality is difficult to define and even more difficult to measure.
This is not an appropriate place to pass judgment on the moral fiber of current American society from which our cleared personnel are drawn. Suffice it to note that the debate seems to be between those who see a serious degradation of moral values and others who view the state of morality in America as no worse than at other times in our history. Perceived inequities cause resentment. Feelings of entitlement to better treatment may be used to rationalize illegal behavior or may reduce inhibitions that otherwise deter illegal behavior. When people feel betrayed by their employer, it is easier for them to betray in return.