Disrupt and Deny
Spies, Special Forces, and the Secret Pursuit of British Foreign Policy

For decades now James Bond has vied with the queen as the personification of Britain for the rest of the world. This is perhaps more appropriate than many realize, for as Rory Cormac documents in his book covert action — a term denoting activities ranging from propaganda efforts to direct political......more

Evidently thoroughly researched piece, though equally evidently not written for persons who are not fascinated by the narrow field of UK policy relating to covert actions. The author analyses methodically the policy changes relating to covert activity over the entire post-WWII period. Not surprising......more

Fascinating and enjoyable post-1945 history of British intelligence, propaganda, and special operations. Very readable, with some interesting insights, lessons and especially the national characteristics of UK covert work rooted in colonial rule (empire is about information management, as the author......more

This book frames a small sliver of covert operations known as cover action. It’s not intel-gathering, it’s subversive operations that are discussed. Sabotage, planting material, propaganda were on the table for the period between the Second World War and the war on terror. What was highlighted more......more

Disrupt and Deny: Spies, Special Forces, and the Secret Pursuit of British Foreign Policy by Rory Cormac, 394 pp., Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 2018. The front cover is misleading. The extended arm and the hand holding an automatic pistol with silencer attached (yes, I know it’s really a supp......more