5. Catherine the Great of Russia
Catherine the Great effectively utilized a combination of foreign intelligence and domestic informers to centralize power and expand the Russian Empire. She relied on trusted agents such as Pyotr Shuvalov, who played a significant role in her administration. Shuvalov’s influence extended to various aspects of governance, including the arts and education. His contributions were instrumental in implementing Catherine’s policies and maintaining her authority. For more details on Catherine the Great’s reign and her administration, you can refer to this article (britannica.com).
