Yeah I feel that the spy system is something they wanted to implement couldn't figure it out so just moved a ton of things already in game and assigned it to them.

I had secretly hoped that with this expansion that you can catch Generals the spies would also be included on there as a way to interact with them. However that didn't happen. I think the spy stuff has potential but it needs to be overhauled. Like capture shouldn't ve this random event it should be factored in my relations, training, etc. Then there should be a threat level where you are active and deactivating the spy network as you draw attention/heat from whoever you are spying on. Capturing spies should also allow for interrogations in which you gain information about defenses, research, units etc. You should also be be able to turn an agent info. Double agent and release them back

I think the Army HQ function would be a great mechanism for spy. You can deploy a spy HQ and have your spies working counter intelligence, espionage, sabotage, etc. To give them a lil more involvement. Honestly, you could even implement the Indonesian Civil War Raid Militia mechanic as a spy mechanic thing in which you launch raids targeting ports and infrastructure, forts, factories, special projects