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Did Russia influence the US 2016 elections? Were Russia's intelligence agencies involved? Since the US elections, spies, espionage and covert action are back on the front pages. As a case in point, a day after his inauguration, US President Donal Trump gave a speech at the CIA Headquarters in Langley, VA. In the speech, he suggested that the CIA had not received enough 'backing' in its fight against terrorism. Since 9/11, however, the CIA, as well as its British counter-part, MI6 have played a leading role in the fight against terrorism. Their powers and capabilities have expanded and this has included an increased reliance on covert action.

Covert action has a long history in both Britain and the US. The term often refers to intelligence activities that go beyond the simple collection of information. These activities are aimed at influencing political, economic, or military conditions abroad and include propaganda, economic action, paramilitary operations (including regime change), and lethal actions (such as assassinations and/or targeted killing). 

In academia, the interdisciplinary nature of covert action has often meant that researchers working on the topic have found it difficult to share research and experiences. Furthermore, the 'sensitive' nature of the topic has often meant that covert action is not discussed in the classroom and is not considered part of the curriculum. However, debates surrounding covert action can influence and are part of several areas of schools' curricula. These areas include US/UK politics and history, warfare and changes in the nature of war, literature and fiction, as well as critical thinking. 

This project is funded by a British Academy Rising Star Engagement Award. The project has three main aims. First, the project aims at establishing a network of Early Career Researchers (ECRs) working on covert action in US and UK history. This network will provide an opportunity to share research and discuss developments in the discipline. Second, the project aims at engaging teachers and students from secondary schools in the study of the topic. 

A networking event in May, will give ECRs the opportunity to meet and share their research. Having established an ECR network, the project will reach out to secondary schools. An engagement and continuing professional development event will be held in Swansea University in September. The event will give academics and teachers the opportunity to get together and discuss avenues to include covert action in secondary school education both as a curricular and extra-curricular activity. Finally, the project aims at establishing a longer-term collaboration with schools. This will include seminars and presentations conducted by ECRs in interested schools and essay writing competitions.  

We are very excited to start this project. In the meantime, you can browse the website and get to know the team, follow us on Twitter @OotsProject, and you can share the project with your friends and colleagues. Please get in touch.