
Magda Long
PhD Candidate
Research interests
- Conflict and security
Biography
Magda Long is a PhD Candidate at the War Studies Department at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on examining the utility and limits of U.S. covert action in the post-Cold War world. The primary objective of her research is to explore how political, security, and technology landscape changes helped shape the utility of U.S. covert action in the post-Cold War era.
Ms. Long holds an MA in Intelligence and International Security from KCL and a BA in Politics from Durham University. She is a recipient of the Simon O’Dwyer-Russell prize for outstanding academic achievement awarded to her by the War Studies upon completion of her MA studies. Prior to starting her doctoral studies, Ms. Long worked as a Defense and Security Analyst at RAND Corporation in Europe and as a Senior Manager at Deloitte in the U.S. in risk management roles and on investigations related to fraud, money laundering, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations. Her other professional experience includes working with international organizations in conflict and post-conflict societies on issues related to security, fraud, and corruption.
Research Interests
- Intelligence
- Covert action
- US foreign policy and national security
- Counterterrorism
Thesis
Limits and Utility of US Covert Action in the Post-Cold War World
Supervisors
- Dr Huw Dylan (Primary Supervisor)
- Professor Michael Goodman (Second Supervisor)
Research

Intelligence and Security
The King's Intelligence and Security research group provides a platform for sharing research and ideas in the field of intelligence.
Features
What are the implications of Ukraine's civilian resistance going viral?
MAGDA LONG AND DANIELA RICHTEROVA: Putin’s assault on Ukraine was quickly dubbed the first “social media” or “internet” war

Is Western covert action a viable policy option in Ukraine?
MAGDA LONG: Stories of Russian covert operations in Ukraine abound and Western commentators now suggest that a covert action approach might be needed to aid...

Research

Intelligence and Security
The King's Intelligence and Security research group provides a platform for sharing research and ideas in the field of intelligence.
Features
What are the implications of Ukraine's civilian resistance going viral?
MAGDA LONG AND DANIELA RICHTEROVA: Putin’s assault on Ukraine was quickly dubbed the first “social media” or “internet” war

Is Western covert action a viable policy option in Ukraine?
MAGDA LONG: Stories of Russian covert operations in Ukraine abound and Western commentators now suggest that a covert action approach might be needed to aid...
