What major change occurred in intelligence gathering after the Cold War?

The correct answer highlights a significant shift in the nature of intelligence gathering following the Cold War. After the end of this period characterized by intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, there was a notable decrease in the perceived threat levels that had previously justified large-scale intelligence operations. As a result, many intelligence agencies experienced reductions in both funding and personnel.

This trend reflected a broader reassessment of national security priorities, moving away from a singular focus on the threat of communism towards addressing more diverse threats such as terrorism and cyber warfare, which required different strategies and capabilities. Consequently, while there was also an adaptation to new challenges, the scaling back of resources demonstrated a response to the shifting geopolitical landscape, rather than an outright dismissal of intelligence efforts.

In contrast, the other options describe potential developments that may not have been as pronounced during this transition. For instance, while there may have been ongoing international relations efforts, the focus was not as centralized in the context of intelligence compared to the previous era. The creation of new intelligence agencies and expansion of covert operations may have occurred on a limited scale, but they do not capture the overarching shift in resource allocation that was characteristic of the post-Cold War environment.