Episode 1: Exposing a long history of assassinations

In this episode

In the first episode of Exploring Global Problems Season 4 Dr Luca Trenta, in conversation with host Dr Sam Blaxland, discusses how some states use covert action, with a focus on the US Government's involvement in state-sponsored assassinations. Spanning the time period from the Cold War through to contemporary times, Dr Trenta explores the intricate dimensions of these clandestine operations and challenges the common perception of assassination as exclusive to authoritarian regimes.

Dr Luca Trenta’s research is primarily centred around two main areas: the degree of state secrecy and state-sponsored assassinations. This research relies heavily on history and international relations scholarship on norms. It evaluates the US government’s degree of involvement in state-sponsored assassinations and the way in which these were debated, decided upon, and justified over the last 70 years.

By combining archival research and elite interviews, this investigation focuses on covert operations primarily conducted by the US Government. These are defined as actions carried out by government agencies (or their proxies) to influence conditions abroad in a manner that is not attributable to the sponsoring government. The aim is to maintain plausible deniability. State-sponsored assassinations are an extreme form of covert operation. Dr Trenta’s research focuses on the targeting of officials or representatives of foreign governments.

Following a trail of clues and contradictions, this research sheds light on the complex relationship between executive, legislative branches, media, and the public. By examining the unique set of linguistic manoeuvres used by the US Government to justify its actions, it uncovers how – notwithstanding an executive order banning the practice – the US Government has continued to rely on assassination as part of its covert foreign policy arsenal.

Dr Trenta challenges the common perception of assassination as exclusive to authoritarian regimes, and as a result emphasises the US Government's historical involvement, aiming to challenge simplistic views based on the existence of a 'rule-based international order.'.

Dr Luca Trenta is an Associate Professor in International Relations at Swansea University. Luca moved to the UK in 2009 to study a Master’s in International Studies at Durham University, followed by a PhD, that led him to a chance encounter to cook dinner for former US President Jimmy Carter.

Dr Trenta has been dedicated primarily to researching US foreign policy and presidential decision-making. His PhD thesis, developed into a monograph for Routledge, explored how Presidents manage international strategic and domestic political risks.

In May 2023, Dr Trenta organised an international conference at Swansea University, with key scholars in attendance many of which are currently contributing to an edited volume on the topic of assassination to be published by Lynne Rienner. Due for release in 2026. Dr Trenta’s book the ‘The President’s Kill List’ will be available to purchase in May 2024.

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