Elspeth Van Veeren
@evanveeren.bsky.social
Associate Prof in Global Politics, Bristol (US security cultures, secrecy studies, visual politics)
Co-ordinating @researchspin.bsky.social Secrecy, Power and Ignorance research Network www.secrecyresearch.com
Owner of a moody teenager and a dog.
Co-ordinating @researchspin.bsky.social Secrecy, Power and Ignorance research Network www.secrecyresearch.com
Owner of a moody teenager and a dog.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
From the CWS ARCHIVE. 4th June 2024.
December 5, 2025 at 11:45 AM
From the CWS ARCHIVE. 4th June 2024.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Wow, Adm. Holsey didn't leave of his own accord, Hegseth pushed him out. What looked like the SOCOM head resigning rather than do war crimes now looks like SecDef canning him to facilitate war crimes.
Congress should have him testify, and would've already if war-crime-sympathetic GOP didn't run it.
Congress should have him testify, and would've already if war-crime-sympathetic GOP didn't run it.
Exclusive | Hegseth Asked Top Admiral to Resign After Months of Discord
The relationship between the Pentagon chief and Adm. Alvin Holsey had been rocky since Trump’s inauguration.
www.wsj.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Wow, Adm. Holsey didn't leave of his own accord, Hegseth pushed him out. What looked like the SOCOM head resigning rather than do war crimes now looks like SecDef canning him to facilitate war crimes.
Congress should have him testify, and would've already if war-crime-sympathetic GOP didn't run it.
Congress should have him testify, and would've already if war-crime-sympathetic GOP didn't run it.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
“we estimate employment-weighted share of Americans using AI at work has fallen by a percentage point & now sits at 11%. Adoption has fallen sharply at the largest businesses, those employing +250 people. 3 yrs into the genAI wave, demand looks surprisingly flimsy” www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Investors expect AI use to soar. That’s not happening
Recent surveys point to flatlining business adoption
www.economist.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
“we estimate employment-weighted share of Americans using AI at work has fallen by a percentage point & now sits at 11%. Adoption has fallen sharply at the largest businesses, those employing +250 people. 3 yrs into the genAI wave, demand looks surprisingly flimsy” www.economist.com/finance-and-...
I’m going to put this down for posterity. Kelly is considering, if not actively, and unofficially, running for President and will be amongst the Democratic hopefuls. And he might have a chance with his profile and the other contenders. Will be watching to see if he speaks at a possible DNC in 2026.
Pete Hegseth says he’s going to court-martial me for saying the same exact thing he said 9 years ago. What changed for Pete? Well to start, he spends all day thinking about how he can suck up to Trump. When Trump says jump, he says how high.
December 3, 2025 at 7:54 AM
I’m going to put this down for posterity. Kelly is considering, if not actively, and unofficially, running for President and will be amongst the Democratic hopefuls. And he might have a chance with his profile and the other contenders. Will be watching to see if he speaks at a possible DNC in 2026.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
The nation’s top diplomat
That paragon of virtue, Marco Rubio, apparent also has his hand in the drug dealer jar.
December 2, 2025 at 1:08 AM
The nation’s top diplomat
Excited to join Forman Christian College students in Lahore next Monday, the 8th Dec, for my final talk of 2025 (online only sadly). On intertextuality, conspiracy theories, and security narratives - based on some past and future work. Very much looking forward to the discussion that will follow!
December 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Excited to join Forman Christian College students in Lahore next Monday, the 8th Dec, for my final talk of 2025 (online only sadly). On intertextuality, conspiracy theories, and security narratives - based on some past and future work. Very much looking forward to the discussion that will follow!
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
✨ SPIN Spotlight ✨
Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Martin Parr Foundation, we showcased Ashutosh Shaktan's exploration of the duality of secrecy through lens and light 🌹📷
If you missed it, now’s your chance to discover Ashutosh's work!
🔗 bit.ly/4omTykL
#Secrecy #SPIN #Photography
Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Martin Parr Foundation, we showcased Ashutosh Shaktan's exploration of the duality of secrecy through lens and light 🌹📷
If you missed it, now’s your chance to discover Ashutosh's work!
🔗 bit.ly/4omTykL
#Secrecy #SPIN #Photography
SPIN Photography Commission: ‘Sub Rosa (Under the rose)’, Ashutosh Shaktan - SPIN
SPIN, in collaboration with The Martin Parr Foundation, is pleased to share a photographic essay by Ashutosh Shaktan. ...
secrecyresearch.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:05 AM
✨ SPIN Spotlight ✨
Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Martin Parr Foundation, we showcased Ashutosh Shaktan's exploration of the duality of secrecy through lens and light 🌹📷
If you missed it, now’s your chance to discover Ashutosh's work!
🔗 bit.ly/4omTykL
#Secrecy #SPIN #Photography
Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Martin Parr Foundation, we showcased Ashutosh Shaktan's exploration of the duality of secrecy through lens and light 🌹📷
If you missed it, now’s your chance to discover Ashutosh's work!
🔗 bit.ly/4omTykL
#Secrecy #SPIN #Photography
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
The unifying aim of all Trump pronouncements and actions is to trash the constitution and impose a white supremacist militarized autocracy by EO and truth social decree - the latest attack on naturalization and birthright citizenship is an ugly new escalation of that barbaric aim.
November 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The unifying aim of all Trump pronouncements and actions is to trash the constitution and impose a white supremacist militarized autocracy by EO and truth social decree - the latest attack on naturalization and birthright citizenship is an ugly new escalation of that barbaric aim.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Effectively there is no *one* person performing the duties of President of the United States right now. We are in an interregnum with an occupied throne.
The fundamental thing to understand about this administration is the president is a grumpy retiree. He has no interest in working anymore. Which leads to him being pissed that he is getting asked a question, pissed he has to show up and work, the scheming viziers running the show, etc..
“You’re a stupid person” — Trump lashes out at a reporter who presses him on the fact that the suspected DC shooter was actually thoroughly vetted before he was let in the US from Afghanistan
November 28, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Effectively there is no *one* person performing the duties of President of the United States right now. We are in an interregnum with an occupied throne.
Is Pluribus a critique of AI??!! I don’t know how I feel about this show and its politics yet.
November 26, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Is Pluribus a critique of AI??!! I don’t know how I feel about this show and its politics yet.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Jeffrey Epstein's newly-publicized emails implicate the entire elite class that he operated in.
"These circles that he moved in, if they have any superpower, it is the ability to hear the cries of people without power and close their ears."
"These circles that he moved in, if they have any superpower, it is the ability to hear the cries of people without power and close their ears."
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Jeffrey Epstein's newly-publicized emails implicate the entire elite class that he operated in.
"These circles that he moved in, if they have any superpower, it is the ability to hear the cries of people without power and close their ears."
"These circles that he moved in, if they have any superpower, it is the ability to hear the cries of people without power and close their ears."
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Dave watched this government Education Committee meeting so you didn’t have to. But you do have to read his summary (if you have any interest in the future of HE)
"A system built on specialisation, efficiency", that right there is the death knell for the current university system in the UK, if (big if) government pushes it through. They actively don't want HE to grow, they will intervene, apparently, to help it shrink.
per this morning's education committee.
per this morning's education committee.
November 25, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Dave watched this government Education Committee meeting so you didn’t have to. But you do have to read his summary (if you have any interest in the future of HE)
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Elon Musk’s new pay package could amount to $100B per year.
That's the same as 3.2 million cashiers’ paychecks combined.
It’s more than 1.4 million elementary school teachers’ paychecks.
It’s more than 2 million janitors’ paychecks.
Billionaire greed is out of control.
That's the same as 3.2 million cashiers’ paychecks combined.
It’s more than 1.4 million elementary school teachers’ paychecks.
It’s more than 2 million janitors’ paychecks.
Billionaire greed is out of control.
November 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Elon Musk’s new pay package could amount to $100B per year.
That's the same as 3.2 million cashiers’ paychecks combined.
It’s more than 1.4 million elementary school teachers’ paychecks.
It’s more than 2 million janitors’ paychecks.
Billionaire greed is out of control.
That's the same as 3.2 million cashiers’ paychecks combined.
It’s more than 1.4 million elementary school teachers’ paychecks.
It’s more than 2 million janitors’ paychecks.
Billionaire greed is out of control.
Join us tomorrow for @jeffwhyte.bsky.social talk on psychological warfare, propaganda and military violence. See details below to sign up!
How did psychological warfare reshape the 20th century? Dr Jeff Whyte’s latest book explores propaganda and military violence from WWII to Vietnam. Join us next Wednesday!
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
Book Celebration: The Birth of Psychological War by Dr Jeffrey Whyte - SPIN
Wednesday November 19th, Time 3pm (UK Time) Dr Jeffrey Whyte Chair: Professor Brian Rappert SPIN is pleased to host...
wp.me
November 18, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Join us tomorrow for @jeffwhyte.bsky.social talk on psychological warfare, propaganda and military violence. See details below to sign up!
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Come to my book talk this Wed (Nov 19) at 3pm GMT! I'll be talking about my research on the political history of 'psychological war,' how we came to think about 'wars of ideas,' and how psywar has often justified rather than replaced traditional forms of military violence.
Details in link!
Details in link!
How did psychological warfare reshape the 20th century? Dr Jeff Whyte’s latest book explores propaganda and military violence from WWII to Vietnam. Join us next Wednesday!
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
Book Celebration: The Birth of Psychological War by Dr Jeffrey Whyte - SPIN
Wednesday November 19th, Time 3pm (UK Time) Dr Jeffrey Whyte Chair: Professor Brian Rappert SPIN is pleased to host...
wp.me
November 17, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Come to my book talk this Wed (Nov 19) at 3pm GMT! I'll be talking about my research on the political history of 'psychological war,' how we came to think about 'wars of ideas,' and how psywar has often justified rather than replaced traditional forms of military violence.
Details in link!
Details in link!
The @empirepoduk.bsky.social team and Anna Funder delighted and enraged me with their recent episode on Orwell and the erasure of Eileen’s contribution to his greatest works, Animal Farm and 1984. Link to listen: YouTube share.google/qZivUxyHVPFw...
305. Orwell: Dark Secrets, The CIA, & His Forgotten Failures (Part 4)
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
share.google
November 17, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The @empirepoduk.bsky.social team and Anna Funder delighted and enraged me with their recent episode on Orwell and the erasure of Eileen’s contribution to his greatest works, Animal Farm and 1984. Link to listen: YouTube share.google/qZivUxyHVPFw...
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
🪙 Missed Dr Vera Zurbrügg’s talk on her Articulated Absences Archive project on the history, myths and ongoing secrecy practices surrounding gold, WWII and Switzerland? You can watch it now on YouTube. Chaired by Dr Elspeth Van Veeren.
Watch here youtu.be/nhosgQdqjvE
#SPINevents #CounterArchives
Watch here youtu.be/nhosgQdqjvE
#SPINevents #CounterArchives
SPIN Talk: Vera Zurbrügg
YouTube video by Secrecy, Power and Ignorance research Network
youtu.be
November 13, 2025 at 8:07 AM
🪙 Missed Dr Vera Zurbrügg’s talk on her Articulated Absences Archive project on the history, myths and ongoing secrecy practices surrounding gold, WWII and Switzerland? You can watch it now on YouTube. Chaired by Dr Elspeth Van Veeren.
Watch here youtu.be/nhosgQdqjvE
#SPINevents #CounterArchives
Watch here youtu.be/nhosgQdqjvE
#SPINevents #CounterArchives
Next Wednesday, join us for a talk by @jeffwhyte.bsky.social on his latest book - The Birth of Psychological Warfare (OUP). Of interest to those researching and studying US military conflict and history, propaganda, intelligence operations and post-truth politics. Join us! See link for details.
How did psychological warfare reshape the 20th century? Dr Jeff Whyte’s latest book explores propaganda and military violence from WWII to Vietnam. Join us next Wednesday!
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
Book Celebration: The Birth of Psychological War by Dr Jeffrey Whyte - SPIN
Wednesday November 19th, Time 3pm (UK Time) Dr Jeffrey Whyte Chair: Professor Brian Rappert SPIN is pleased to host...
wp.me
November 12, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Next Wednesday, join us for a talk by @jeffwhyte.bsky.social on his latest book - The Birth of Psychological Warfare (OUP). Of interest to those researching and studying US military conflict and history, propaganda, intelligence operations and post-truth politics. Join us! See link for details.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
How did psychological warfare reshape the 20th century? Dr Jeff Whyte’s latest book explores propaganda and military violence from WWII to Vietnam. Join us next Wednesday!
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
Book Celebration: The Birth of Psychological War by Dr Jeffrey Whyte - SPIN
Wednesday November 19th, Time 3pm (UK Time) Dr Jeffrey Whyte Chair: Professor Brian Rappert SPIN is pleased to host...
wp.me
November 10, 2025 at 8:05 AM
How did psychological warfare reshape the 20th century? Dr Jeff Whyte’s latest book explores propaganda and military violence from WWII to Vietnam. Join us next Wednesday!
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
🔗 buff.ly/h7tsjcJ.
📖 19 Nov | 15:00 (GMT) | Online
Chair: Prof Brian Rappert
#SPINevents #PsychologicalWarfare
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
HAPPY FOUR SEASONS TOTAL LANDSCAPING DAY TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE
November 7, 2025 at 6:44 PM
HAPPY FOUR SEASONS TOTAL LANDSCAPING DAY TO ALL WHO CELEBRATE
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Even I thought this was one of mine!
November 6, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Even I thought this was one of mine!
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
"Once these platforms are in place on CUNY campuses, they can license them at cost to SUNY, to NYC Public Schools, potentially to any educational institution who chooses them over the always overpriced, often enshittified, ever-extractive for-profit EdTech platforms."
Mamdani Win Could Be The First Step Towards Seizing The Means of Knowledge Production (Let CUNY Socialize EdTech for All of Us)
by Matt Seybold This essay originally appeared on Matt Seybold’s The American Vandal Substack. We are grateful for his generous permission to republish it here. An understandable response to …
moneyontheleft.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:41 AM
"Once these platforms are in place on CUNY campuses, they can license them at cost to SUNY, to NYC Public Schools, potentially to any educational institution who chooses them over the always overpriced, often enshittified, ever-extractive for-profit EdTech platforms."
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Join us tomorrow! Email for an invitation link.
How does art reveal hidden complicity? This week, Vera Zurbrügg presents her Articulated Absences Archive on gold, myth, and WWII secrecy. Join us on Wednesday. Details at buff.ly/JtVme6U.
🗓️ 05 Nov | 15:00 (UK time) | Online | Chair: Dr. Elspeth Van Veeren
#SPINevents #CounterArchives
🗓️ 05 Nov | 15:00 (UK time) | Online | Chair: Dr. Elspeth Van Veeren
#SPINevents #CounterArchives
buff.ly
November 4, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Join us tomorrow! Email for an invitation link.