Covert actions are secret operations conducted by governments or organizations to achieve specific objectives without revealing their involvement. These actions can include activities like espionage, sabotage, or psychological operations, often aimed at influencing political situations or undermining adversaries. The goal is to achieve results while maintaining plausible deniability. Such operations are typically carried out by intelligence agencies, such as the CIA in the United States, and may involve collaboration with other entities. Covert actions can have significant implications for international relations and may lead to unintended consequences, making them a controversial aspect of statecraft.