Prestigious intelligence book prize given to Warwick spy expert
University of Warwick spy expert Christopher Moran has been awarded the 2014 St Ermin’s Hotel Intelligence Book of the Year Award.
Dr Moran picked up the prize for his book, Classified: Secrecy and the State in Modern Britain, at a ceremony held at the St James’s Park hotel in London this week. He was given his award by intelligence expert and the chair of the judging panel, Nigel West.
The St Ermin’s Hotel in St James’s Park, London offers this annual award for the best new intelligence book in recognition of the hotel’s long connection with the British intelligence community.
Dr Moran, Assistant professor in US National Security and a British Academy postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Politics and International Studies, said he was delighted to be awarded the prize.
"To be acknowledged by leading authorities in my field is a great feeling – and came as a surprise, to say the least! More importantly, this award reflects the stimulating research environment of my department, PAIS, who have always been extremely supportive of my work".
Dr Moran is also one of the main organisers behind a conference on the role of spy chiefs through history, being held in Venice next week.
The ‘Spy Chiefs: Intelligence Leaders in History, Culture and International Relations’ will take place on 6 and 7 May 2014 at the Palazzo Pesaro Papafava.
Dr Moran said: “The role of intelligence agencies now is very different to that we saw at the formation of national security groups in the mid-20th Century. Historically, our heads of agencies would be appointed in secret and the public would know very little about them.”
“More and more we’re seeing a shift in the landscape, with agencies having to confront the dual challenge of maintaining their function of protecting the nation from threats, and the public demand for greater transparency.”
Notes to editors:
For more information, please contact Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Senior Press and Communications Manager, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 02476 150868, 07824 540863.
PR58 KPH 2nd May 2014