I mean did it get more radical on time cause there was no oversight. Seemed Enterprise time period it was doing more legit spying like mi5/mi6. Then buy ds9 they kinda were undermining federation security in a way.
I don't think they started out as evil, but a combination of lack of oversight and secrecy helped foster an in house belief that they held the key to the Federation's survival and that the ends would justify the means in their pursuits. If you're a fan of John LeCarre it's interesting how you get the impression that the characters think they hold the fate of the world in their hands, but to the reader they appear to be just fumbling and playing games, at times deadly games, but games nonetheless.
