Speaker: Dr Simon Pratt

Intelligence activities increasingly take place outside the boundaries of state agencies, and a broad spectrum of intelligence actors comprise the ‘extended intelligence community’ (EIC). The EIC presents a series of challenges, risks, and opportunities. Market actors, especially those in the cyber sphere, have been instrumental in enhancing the digital surveillance functions of many countries, as well as some corporate or sub-state actors. This has not always been ‘good for democracy’. Meanwhile, volunteer networks of citizens are increasingly able to use open-source investigations to expose the clandestine activities of a range of states. Whether this is ‘good for democracy’ depends on whom you ask.

Both types of actors—market and ‘citizen volunteer’—are powerful in ways that conventional accounts of intelligence and security do not always effectively help us understand. In this talk, Dr. Simon Pratt will present a map of the EIC and its various actors, then propose a modular theory of sovereignty to explain what the EIC actually does. The talk will be followed by a discussion with workshop participants. A paper outlining the arguments of the book will be circulated to participants prior to the event.

Note: This event is free and exclusive to King's students and staff. Spaces are limited, and light refreshments will be provided. Early registration is recommended to secure your place.