The Centre for the Study of Subversion, Unconventional Intervention and Threats (SUIT) is thrilled that Rory Cormac, Professor of International Relations and Faculty Lead for Security and Resilience Research, has a new book out: (OUP). It tells the remarkable story of the rise and fall of the UK's black propaganda team - waging the Cold War through fakes and forgeries. It reveals a host of operations, some bizarre, others serious, and offers timeless insights into how propaganda works and the dilemmas facing those countering it today. SUIT's mission is to develop high quality, policy-relevant research and share it with as wide an audience as possible: FAKERS is a wonderful example!
A said that Rory's work in unearthing top secret documents is "colourful, at times suggestive of Graham Greene’s darker entertainments" and described the book as a 'flavourful account' that "lifts the lid – releasing some very pungent aromas – on a previously unexplored Department of Deliberate Untruths".
Rory says "I'm very grateful for the support provided by SUIT and the freedom the School has given me to write such a public-facing book. SUIT is an exciting centre with strength in depth across subversion and secret statecraft, which provides a wonderfully stimulating research environment."
Director of SUIT, Dan Lomas, said, "This is an impressive piece of scholarship. Rory has pioneered the study of British covert action, and Fakers is a beautifully written study of British propaganda activity in the Cold War. Rory not only founded SUIT, but his continued involvement is a core strength to the centre. Congratulations, Rory."
You can catch Rory at in Gower Street (2 June), the literary festival (7 June), and the National Army Museum (24 July).
is out now.
Posted on Friday 15th May 2026