In an era of strategic competition, grey-zone conflict, and persistent uncertainty, intelligence and covert action have become central instruments of statecraft. Yet their use raises profound operational, legal, and ethical questions. This course offers a rigorous and contemporary examination of how states employ covert activity to deter adversaries, disrupt hostile actors, manage escalation, and advance foreign policy objectives. Particular attention is given to the role of covert action by Western powers in countering adversaries who seek to undermine democratic norms, institutions, and values. Through a wide range of historical and modern case studies — from political influence and information operations to sabotage and paramilitary action to state sponsored assassinations and covert regime change — you will analyse the full spectrum of covert capabilities in practice.

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Postgraduate Certificate in Covert Action, HUMINT and the Psychology of Intelligence Elicitation

At University of Buckingham

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