Treason, Terrorism, and Betrayal: Why Individuals Cross the Line
Why do some individuals choose to betray their country, engage in espionage, or commit acts of terrorism? From Kim Philby to Edward Snowden and from agencies to academia, history is full of figures who have willfully jeopardized national security. What compels people to “cross the line”—and can such dangers be detected in time? In Treason, Terrorism, and Betrayal: Why Individuals Cross the Line, William Costanza employs an interdisciplinary lens to explore the psychological, ideological, and situational factors behind acts of betrayal.

This fireside chat will unpack Costanza’s findings under Chatham House Rules, with ample audience Q&A. Attendees may purchase the book directly from the publisher.

Speaker Bios: William Costanza teaches at Georgetown University’s Center for Security Studies (CSS). Prior to academia, Costanza served more than two decades as an operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency. His research and teaching at Georgetown focus on the psychological, ideological, and situational pathways that drive individuals toward betrayal, espionage, and radicalization.
Date: 5 November 2025, 17:00
Venue: Venue to be announced
Speaker: Dr William Costanza (Georgetown University)
Organising department: Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR)
Organiser: Zachary Turinsky (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: zachary.turinsky@seh.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Oxford Emerging Threats & Technology Working Group
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://emergingthreats.co.uk/event/week-4-treason-terrorism-and-betrayal-why-individuals-cross-the-line/
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Christopher Morris