Finn, Peter and Ledger, Robert (eds.) (2026) The Official Record: Oversight, national security and democracy. Manchester University Press, Manchester. ISBN 978-1526197887

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Abstract

The construction, control and preservation of the Official Record is inherently contested. Those seeking greater openness and (democratic) accountability argue 'sunlight is [...] the best of disinfectants', while others seek stricter information control because, to their mind, sound government arises when advice and policy are formulated secretly. This edited volume explores the intersection of the Official Record, oversight, national security and democracy. Through US, UK and Canadian case studies, this volume will benefit higher level undergraduate readers and above to explore the Official Record in the context of the national security operations of democratic states. All chapters are research-based pieces of original writing that feature a document appendix containing primary documents (often excerpts) that are key to a chapter's narrative. As a result, this book interrogates the boundaries between national security, accountability, oversight, and the Official Record.

Item Type:	Edited Book
Uncontrolled Keywords:	democracy, national security, official record, oversight
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JC Political theory J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Last Modified:	02 Sep 2026 13:54
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54320

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