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
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.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
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 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
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
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Prof. Farhana Sultana is a path-breaking scholar of political ecology who has been placed on leave by Syracuse University for a post made on her personal SMs in a context of cascading political repression. Pls sign this letter calling for her immediate reinstatement
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Letter of Support for Professor Farhana Sultana
As scholars within and beyond academia, we write in solidarity with academic freedom of expression with our colleague, Dr. Farhana Sultana, an internationally recognized scholar and tenured Full Profe...
docs.google.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Prof. Farhana Sultana is a path-breaking scholar of political ecology who has been placed on leave by Syracuse University for a post made on her personal SMs in a context of cascading political repression. Pls sign this letter calling for her immediate reinstatement
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
“The researchers aim to show that the ‘inevitability’ of AI is just a marketing frame perpetrated by the industry and that pushback is a lot more possible than we often see.” Yes!
‘Study after study shows that students want to develop these critical thinking skills, are not lazy, and large numbers of them would be in favor of banning ChatGPT and similar tools in universities’, says @olivia.science www.ru.nl/en/research/...
‘Opposing the inevitability of AI at universities is possible and necessary’ | Radboud University
Since the widespread release of ChatGPT in December of 2022, AI has taken over much of the world by storm – including academia. Most of this happened with very little pushback, despite a myriad of iss...
www.ru.nl
November 2, 2025 at 8:07 AM
“The researchers aim to show that the ‘inevitability’ of AI is just a marketing frame perpetrated by the industry and that pushback is a lot more possible than we often see.” Yes!
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
'Staff at the University of Nottingham are preparing to strike for the second time this term, announcing a further 22 days of action before Christmas, in addition to the 20 days already taken.' Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, Leicester, and Edinburgh also striking.
Major universities facing weeks-long strikes as job cuts deepen
Union branches plan walkouts across UK amid increased tensions with senior managers
www.timeshighereducation.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:12 AM
'Staff at the University of Nottingham are preparing to strike for the second time this term, announcing a further 22 days of action before Christmas, in addition to the 20 days already taken.' Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, Leicester, and Edinburgh also striking.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Experimental evidence of the effects of large language models versus web search on depth of learning
Abstract. The effects of using large language models (LLMs) versus traditional web search on depth of learning are explored. A theory is proposed that when
academic.oup.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:14 PM
When people learn with ChatGPT instead of following their own searches, they end up knowing less, caring less, and producing worse advice, even when the facts are the same.
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Friction is an essential ingredient for learning! Convenience makes us shallow.
academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/ar...
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
I made an image of all the art posted by US DOL on X since approximately Labor Day
October 26, 2025 at 1:07 AM
I made an image of all the art posted by US DOL on X since approximately Labor Day
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
If only they could do that — demonstrate their patriotism— by paying their taxes and accepting higher rates … 🤔
This is obviously illegal. It is also very stupid. An unconstrained executive will quickly learn that the best way to pay for the government is to call together all of the billionaires and ask them who wants to demonstrate their patriotism the most
Donor Who Gave $130 Million to Pay Troops Is Reclusive Heir to Mellon Fortune
www.nytimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
If only they could do that — demonstrate their patriotism— by paying their taxes and accepting higher rates … 🤔
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
A DC protester has filed suit against local police and the National Guard after being detained for playing “The Imperial March” (Darth Vader’s theme) while trailing troops deployed by Trump. He claims his First Amendment rights were violated.
Protester Sues DC Police, National Guard Over Arrest for Playing Star Wars Song
The protester played “The Imperial March,” a song associated with Darth Vader, while walking behind the troops.
buff.ly
October 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM
A DC protester has filed suit against local police and the National Guard after being detained for playing “The Imperial March” (Darth Vader’s theme) while trailing troops deployed by Trump. He claims his First Amendment rights were violated.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Y’all, Spotify’s stock price sunk by 5% in 1 day. YOU did this by spreading the word to boycott them for running ICE ads.
These billionaires only speak one language—money—so let’s keep up the pressure. Tell everyone you know to cancel their Spotify subscriptions. Send them to BoycottSpotify.com.
These billionaires only speak one language—money—so let’s keep up the pressure. Tell everyone you know to cancel their Spotify subscriptions. Send them to BoycottSpotify.com.
October 25, 2025 at 4:15 AM
Y’all, Spotify’s stock price sunk by 5% in 1 day. YOU did this by spreading the word to boycott them for running ICE ads.
These billionaires only speak one language—money—so let’s keep up the pressure. Tell everyone you know to cancel their Spotify subscriptions. Send them to BoycottSpotify.com.
These billionaires only speak one language—money—so let’s keep up the pressure. Tell everyone you know to cancel their Spotify subscriptions. Send them to BoycottSpotify.com.
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
Read every single word of this from @edwardluce.bsky.social. Should be a gift link. on.ft.com/4qnOCyk The Trump Supremacy
The Trump Supremacy
Opponents in disarray, allies in line, followers enthralled — the US president is already on his way to building a new world order
on.ft.com
October 24, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Read every single word of this from @edwardluce.bsky.social. Should be a gift link. on.ft.com/4qnOCyk The Trump Supremacy
Reposted by Elspeth Van Veeren
We are delighted to share two additions to our A-Z Secrecy and Ignorance series from the brilliant @kindynis.bsky.social
🕵️D is for Deep Politics: bit.ly/42Ua8AI
🕵️P is for Parapolitics: bit.ly/43AGOiR
#SPINBlog #DeepPolitics #Parapolitics #Secrecy
🕵️D is for Deep Politics: bit.ly/42Ua8AI
🕵️P is for Parapolitics: bit.ly/43AGOiR
#SPINBlog #DeepPolitics #Parapolitics #Secrecy
D is for Deep Politics - SPIN
D is for Deep Politics (From the A-Z of Secrecy and Ignorance Series A-Z of Secrecy and Ignorance) ...
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 7:15 AM
We are delighted to share two additions to our A-Z Secrecy and Ignorance series from the brilliant @kindynis.bsky.social
🕵️D is for Deep Politics: bit.ly/42Ua8AI
🕵️P is for Parapolitics: bit.ly/43AGOiR
#SPINBlog #DeepPolitics #Parapolitics #Secrecy
🕵️D is for Deep Politics: bit.ly/42Ua8AI
🕵️P is for Parapolitics: bit.ly/43AGOiR
#SPINBlog #DeepPolitics #Parapolitics #Secrecy