Which term refers to the act of stealing state secrets?

Espionage is the term that specifically refers to the act of stealing state secrets. It involves the gathering of confidential or classified information without authorization, typically for strategic purposes. This can include activities conducted by spies or agents employed by governments or organizations seeking an advantage over others, often in matters of national security or military affairs.

In contrast, burglary pertains to unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft, but does not inherently involve state secrets. Robbery involves taking property from a person through force or intimidation, which differs from the covert nature of espionage. Lastly, destruction of property refers to damaging or vandalizing someone's property, which again does not involve the clandestine acquisition of sensitive information. Therefore, espionage correctly encapsulates the concept of stealing state secrets.