Gender, Sexuality, and Intelligence Studies

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-x

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 1-17

3. The Queerness of Intelligence

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 19-66

4. Queer Spies

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 67-99

5. Treason, Agency, and Sexuality

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 101-142

6. Queerness, Secrecy, and Revelation

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 143-188

7. Coming Out as an Intelligence Agent

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 189-218

8. The Politics of Covert Activity

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 219-262

9. The Future Is Queer: New Developments in Intelligence Activity

   • Mary Manjikian

   Pages 263-279

This is the first work to engage with intelligence studies through the lens of queer theory. Adding to the literature in critical intelligence studies and critical international relations theory, this work considers the ways in which both the spy, and the activities of espionage can be viewed as queer. Part One argues that the spy plays a role which represents a third path between the hard power of the military and the soft power of diplomacy. Part Two shows how the intelligence community plays a key role in enabling leaders of democracies to conduct covert activities running counter to that mission and ideology, in this way allowing a leader to have two foreign policies—an overt, public policy and a second, closeted, queer foreign policy.

• Queer Intelligence
• Counterintelligence
• Covert Activity
• Gender and Intelligence
• Gender and sexuality
• Queer politics
• Queer International Relations
• Gender and International Relations
• Sexuality
• Gender
• Intelligence Agent
• Queerness
• Queer
• Performativity
• Homosexuality
• Queer Theory
• Sexual Politics
• Queer Behaviour
• Critical International Relations
• IR Theory

“This challenging and bold study is more than a groundbreaking work in CIS literature … . this book is highly recommended, not only for CIS academics but also for anyone related to and interested in critical thinking in IR. The fluent and clear usage of language makes it pleasant to read, while the pedagogic usage of mythology narratives facilitates comprehension of the theoretical concepts. … the theoretical framework presented in this book provides substantial guidance.” (Elif Ezgi Keleş, The Hague Journal of Diplomacy, Vol. 17, 2022)

“Mary Manjikian’s Gender, Sexuality, and Intelligence Studies: The Spy in the Closet shines light on the enduring myths that sustain dominant approaches to intelligence studies and international relations scholarship. Manjikian’s volume is the first and only book-length treatment of queer theory within an intelligence context, and it is a much-needed and valuable contribution to the broader project of developing a critical intelligence studies. Readers will find Manjikian’s perspective a useful lens through which to view the dynamics of intelligence organizations, the identity politics of organizational members, and how the institution and practice of intelligence itself occupies a ‘queer space’ in the international relations arena. Queer theory has destabilized foundational assumptions across many academic fields, and Manjikian’s intervention delivers a timely, useful, and important jolt to intelligence studies.”

—Hamilton Bean, Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the International Studies Program, University of Colorado Denver, USA

“Gender, Sexuality, and Intelligence Studies is a bold and ambitious engagement across queer theorizing, critical international relations, and intelligence studies. It stirs up conversations that were previously either ignored or impossible while providing a clear argument and a unique perspective. A reader will not be able to help getting involved in the analysis, sometimes agreeing sometimes arguing. Manjikian brings a strong perspective and impressive familiarity across a wide variety of literatures. A worthwhile read!”

—Laura Sjoberg, Associate Professor, Political Science and Women’s Studies, University of Florida, USA

• Regent University, Virginia Beach, USA

  Mary Manjikian

Mary Manjikian is Professor and Associate Dean at the Robertson School of Government, Regent University, USA. Her work has appeared in International Studies Quarterly, International Feminist Journal of Politics, Intelligence and National Security and International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence. She is a former US foreign service officer with service in the Netherlands, Russia and Bulgaria.

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