Discovering History: Espionage, Terrorism and International Security in the Cyber Age - adult education class

Course overview

Increasingly the news contains reports on digital espionage, terrorism and warfare, suggesting a battle is taking place for control of the cyber-sphere. But what do the terms digital espionage, cyber terrorism and cyber warfare mean and how can we counter the threats they pose?

During this course we will explore the evolution of espionage, terrorism and international security in the digital age.

We will discover how the internet and hacking evolved in tandem, and their impact on espionage, surveillance and terrorism, and of course warfare. As we shall see, cyber security is in a constantly mutating technical and political environment, and has to adapt repeatedly to a changing social, cultural and technological landscape.

Drawing extensively on historic and contemporary case studies, we will chart how international security is evolving in the digital era, noting how the rise of AI is opening new technological possibilities.

You do not need any previous experience to join this course. All welcome.

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 13 October 2025 until week ending 12 December 2025

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content or teaching of this course please contact the Programme Manager for Adult Education, Dr Michael Paraskos: m.paraskos@imperial.ac.uk

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).