The Centre for Statecraft & National Security is honoured to host Jim Petrila, Edward Bogan, and Dr Sam Mace for an event exploring the work of the Institute for the Study of States of Exception (ISSE), chaired by CSNS Fellow Dr Jade McGlynn.

The speakers will examine one of the defining political and security challenges of our time: the growing normalisation of “states of exception.” From emergency powers and wartime governance to prolonged security legislation and occupied territories, exceptional measures are increasingly shaping democratic practice across the globe.

We will explore when exceptional powers are necessary, when they become corrosive, and what constraints are required to ensure their compatibility with democratic governance. Drawing on case studies, the event will examine the implications of states of exception for international alliances, democratic resilience, and the rules-based order. It will also outline ISSE’s emerging research agenda and identify gaps in current policy thinking.

The event will conclude with audience Q&A and discussion.

About the Speakers:

Jim Petrila is an adjunct Professor of Law at The George Washington University Law School. He previously served in the CIA’s Operations Directorate and as Deputy Legal Advisor at the National Security Council from 2013 to 2015.

Edward Bogan is a retired CIA Operations Officer with 24 years of experience in national security and intelligence operations in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He is a two-time Chief of Station (COS) and a three-time Chief of Base (COB).

Dr Sam Mace has a PhD in Political Theory from the University of Leeds, specialising in emergency powers in Carl Schmitt’s work and applying it to the MENA region. He has a monograph out in August titled Carl Schmitt in the Middle East: Unstable Decisionism and the Failure of Political Orders.

To register to attend, please click here.