Tuesday 19 January, 14.00
Seminar Room C, Manor Road Building
Cryptocurrency, Sovereignty and Illicit Statecraft
Thomas Whelan, CCW
Cryptocurrency initially captured popular attention through its tales of dramatic investment booms and busts. Since is creation in 2008, cryptocurrency has emerged to become a significant presence within the global financial system. This talk will explore the significance of the rise of cryptocurrency for states, sovereignty and international security. It will examine the characteristics of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, the scale and significance of their adoption and usage, and highlight the exploitation of this alternative financial ecosystem by countries such as Russia, Iran and North Korea, to support illicit statecraft. Through examining observed cases of cryptocurrency usage to support illicit statecraft, this talk will explore the scale of the challenge faced by Western states and propose means for responding against this area of international financial security.
Thomas Whelan has had a 10-year career in HMG's Civil Service, focused on supporting the UK and Europe's Defence and Security. He has served in the British Army, the Ministry of Defence, and currently, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. His interests remain in geopolitics, Defence & Security and the potential of expanding public-private partnershps. Thomas holds a MA Hons in International Relations (University of St Andrews), and a MLitt in Terrorism & Political Violence (Distinction; University of St Andrews / Georgetown University). He completed a Policy Fellowship at Cambridge University's Centre for Science & Policy between 2021 to 2023.
Thomas is a Visiting Research Fellow at CCW, working on financial security and geopolitics, with a specific focus on researching the emerging influence of cryptocurrency and alternative finance in statecraft.
All are welcome, no need to book.
