Chapman Pincher: Dangerous to Know


Book Description

Harry Chapman Pincher is a legend among journalists. As an investigative reporter, he struck terror into those trying to hide the murky secrets of state. After early careers as a teacher, a scientist and a soldier, Chapman Pincher joined Lord Beaverbrook's then all-powerful Daily Expressin the summer of 1945 - and quickly became the master of the journalistic scoop. His first splash, a top-secret account of the development of the atomic bomb, sparked a furious transatlantic row. It was only the start of a career in which his name became synonymous with high-level exclusives from the most secret corners of government. When he finally retired from journalism, the leaks kept coming, leading to a series of bestselling books on the infiltration of Britain's intelligence services by Moscow, culminating in his allegation that the head of MI5 was in fact a Soviet spy. In Dangerous to Know, Chapman Pincher took pen to paper to describe the extraordinary events he witnessed and the varied characters he encountered. Colourful, indiscreet and compelling, this is the life of a true journalistic colossus and a revealing description of the century he bestrode.




Secrecy, Public Relations and the British Nuclear Debate


Book Description

This book constitutes an original archival history of government secrecy, public relations and the debate surrounding nuclear weapons in Britain from 1970 to 1983. The book contrasts the secrecy and near-silence of the Heath, Wilson and Callaghan governments on nuclear issues in the 1970s with the increasingly vocal case made for the possession of nuclear weapons by the first Thatcher government following a shift in approach in 1980. This shift occurred against a background of rising Cold War tensions and a growing public nuclear debate in the UK. The book seeks to contextualise and explain this transformation, considering the role of party politics, structures and personalities inside the government, and external influences: notably the role of investigative journalists and think tanks in cracking open official secrecy and demanding justification for Britain’s possession of nuclear weapons, and the peace movement in driving increasingly assertive public relations from 1980. The book draws on material from archives and interviews with key figures involved to provide an original and engaging account. It argues that this process of opening up saw significant disclosure of nuclear policy for the first time, and the most extensive public justification of the British nuclear capability to date, which has shaped public understanding of British nuclear weapons into the twenty-first century. This book will be of much interest to students of British politics, Cold War studies, nuclear politics and security studies.




Studies in Intelligence


Book Description




To Catch a Spy


Book Description

The Spycatcher affair remains one of the most intriguing moments in the history of British intelligence and a pivotal point in the public's relationship with the murky world of espionage and security. It lifted the lid on alleged Soviet infiltration of British services and revealed a culture of law-breaking, bugging and burgling. But how much do we know about the story behind the scandal? In To Catch a Spy, Tim Tate reveals the astonishing true story of the British government's attempts to silence whistleblower Peter Wright and hide the truth about Britain's intelligence services and political elites. It's a story of state-sanctioned cover-up plots; of the government lying to Parliament and courts around the world; and of stories leaked with the intention to mislead and deceive. This is a tale of high treason and low farce. Drawing on thousands of pages of previously unpublished court transcripts, the contents of secret British government files, and original interviews with many of the key players in the Spycatcher trials, it draws back the curtain on a hidden world. A world where spies, politicians and Britain's most senior civil servants conspired to ride roughshod over the law, prevented the public from hearing about their actions and mounted a cynical conspiracy to deceive the world. It is the story of Peter Wright's ruthless and often lawless obsession to uncover Russian spies, both real and imagined, his belated determination to reveal the truth and the lengths to which the British government would go to silence him.




Spycatcher


Book Description




The Trouble with Kenya: McKenzian Blueprint


Book Description

The McKenzian Blueprint. Some lines are short; some lines are long. All lines are variable. Some appear parallel but connect in latency. Some appear linear. When held against the light they reveal dependence or independence; Freedom or constraints; Empowerment or strife; Subjugation or Justice. The Trouble with Kenya is a microcosm of any given country's social and justice pillars. These pillars have been subordinated to the political and economic pillars in many societies with politics and the economy being deified as the all-encompassing enablers of the advancement of Nations. With the world becoming more connected, happenings in far-flung places are increasingly becoming risk factors locally, precipitating issues of local concern and increasing the impediments to collective human development. All these may appear to be abstract concepts in daily life where making the next pay check, putting food on the table or securing a comfortable future for oneself and family is an exhausting endeavor but those who ignore the harbinger flicks subject themselves to ongoing or future succumb. The story of the founding of Kenya as a country and the continuous strides towards nationhood is similar to many countries globally that have had a monarchy in their founding DNA. Indeed, some countries have excelled in building institutions that ensure an equitable society, while some continue to struggle with cartelization and usurpation of independence of institutions and commensurately experience unjust societal confluence where only a few enjoy the benefits of a nation-wide toil. Why you should get the best historical book you are yet to read Unprecedented Insight: Offering a fresh and unparalleled perspective, this book provides a deep dive into Kenya's history in two volumes, shedding light on pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped the nation. McKenzian Blueprint Unveiled: The book meticulously explores the McKenzian Blueprint, a historical phenomenon that continues to influence Kenya's social, economic, and political landscape. Readers will gain a profound understanding of its origins, implementation, and lasting effects. Compelling Narration: An engaging writing style and thorough research make complex historical events accessible to a broad audience, ensuring an absorbing and enlightening reading experience. Companion Comic Book: Enhance your understanding with the companion comic book of the same title. Featuring vivid graphic illustrations, the comic book brings key historical moments to life, making it an excellent educational tool and an engaging supplement to the main text. Relevance Today: The book is representative of any given country in the world. Drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, the book underscores the relevance of Kenya's, and indeed, your country's past in understanding its present and shaping its future. "The Trouble with Kenya: McKenzian Blueprint" is a must-read for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone seeking a comprehensive exploration of Kenya's rich and complex heritage. Order now and embark on a captivating journey through the corridors of time.




Dick Taverne: Against the Tide


Book Description

In 1973, Labour MP Dick Taverne caused a national sensation when he stood against his own party as an independent to win a historic by-election in Lincoln. Demonstrating the power of the individual against party politics, his bold move was a forerunner for the formation of the SDP some eight years later and cemented his own place in political history. Peppered with entertaining anecdotes, Against the Tide sets Taverne's political battles in the context of a rich and varied life. After studying at Oxford University, Taverne juggled a legal career while taking his first steps in politics, before serving in Harold Wilson's government during the 1960s. His later achievements included the launch of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the founding of the charity Sense About Science, whose objective of advancing public understanding of science continues to inform public debate today. Still an active member of the House of Lords, Dick Taverne presents a thoughtful and compelling memoir, as well as a measured account of fraught and turbulent times.




The New Cold War


Book Description

The first edition of The New Cold War was published to great critical acclaim. Edward Lucas has established himself as a top expert in the field, appearing on numerous programs, including Lou Dobbs, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and NPR. Since The New Cold War was first published in February 2008, Russia has become more authoritarian and corrupt, its institutions are weaker, and reforms have fizzled. In this revised and updated third edition, Lucas includes a new preface on the Crimean crisis, including analysis of the dismemberment of Ukraine, and a look at the devastating effects it may have from bloodshed to economic losses. Lucas reveals the asymmetrical relationship between Russia and the West, a result of the fact that Russia is prepared to use armed force whenever necessary, while the West is not. Hard-hitting and powerful, The New Cold War is a sobering look at Russia's current aggression and what it means for the world. This edition includes 30% updated material. It is also fully updated to include an incisive analysis of the Crimean crisis, from Russia's seizure of the region to the dismemberment of Ukraine.




Operation Thunderbolt


Book Description

The definitive account of one of the greatest Special Forces missions ever, the Raid of Entebbe, by acclaimed military historian Saul David. On June 27, 1976, an Air France flight from Tel Aviv to Paris was hijacked by a group of Arab and German terrorists who demanded the release of 53 terrorists. The plane was forced to divert to Entebbe, in Uganda -- ruled by the murderous despot Idi Amin, who had no interest in intervening. Days later, Israeli commandos disguised as Ugandan soldiers assaulted the airport terminal, killed all the terrorists, and rescued all the hostages but three who were killed in the crossfire. The assault force suffered just one fatality: its commander, Yoni Netanyahu (brother of Israel's Prime Minister.) Three of the country's greatest leaders -- Ehud Barak, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin -- planned and pulled off one of the most astonishing military operations in history.




Leaks, Whistleblowing and the Public Interest


Book Description

This book is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth treatment of the law of unauthorised disclosures in the United Kingdom. Drawing upon extensive data obtained using freedom of information as a methodology and examples from comparative jurisdictions, the book considers the position of civil servants, employees of the security and intelligence services and service personnel in the armed forces. It considers the protections available, the consequences of leaking and a full assessment of the authorised alternatives.