Covert Action and Unacknowledged Interventions
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI4195 | Politics and International Relations | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- POLI4195
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module provides an introduction to the concepts and practices of covert action (a state’s unacknowledged interference in the affairs of another). It considers when, how, and why states choose to act in a deniable – or unacknowledged – manner. The module covers different types of covert action, ranging from propaganda to assassination, as well as themes such as measuring success, defending against covert action, and democratic oversight.
Target Students
Available to PGT and Year 4 MSci International Relations and Global Issues students in the School of Politics and International Relations. Also available to students on the MRes Politics and International Relations plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 30% Coursework 1: 1,500-word essay
- 70% Coursework 2: 2,500-word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to: - Offer an in-depth, research-led, understanding of secrecy in International Relations.- Engage students in ongoing IR debates about covert/deniable/unacknowledged intervention which have taken on increased prominence in recent years. - Complement and provide context to other modules by foregrounding the missing dimension of secrecy.- Develop students' critical thinking skills and ability to interrogate material and separate fact from fiction.- Develop students' research skills through evaluating and piecing together fragmentary primary documentary evidence and dealing with ambiguity.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
* Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the concept of covert action and its role in international security
* Students will be able to apply concepts of covert action to analyse practices and issues in the international system
* Students will be able to evaluate competing interpretations and narratives of world events
Intellectual and Transferable Skills:
* Students will be able to identify, understand, and deconstruct disinformation
* Students will be able to construct reasoned arguments, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement, whilst dealing confidently with redactions.
* Students will be able to critically evaluate ongoing academic and popular debates
Digital Capabilities
*Students will be able to engage in open-source research.