James Crossland

James Crossland is a Professor of International History at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), affiliated with the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies. He is Co-Director of the Centre for Modern and Contemporary History and serves as Associate Dean of Research. His academic work spans intelligence history, terrorism, propaganda, and the laws of armed conflict.

• PhD, Murdoch University, Australia (2010)
• BA (Hons), University of Western Australia (2007)

His research explores the political and societal impacts of fear, fake news, and conspiracy theories, particularly in shaping British intelligence and counter-terrorism doctrine. He is the author of influential works such as Rogue Agent (2024) and The Rise of Devils (2023), and leads a Leverhulme-funded project on colonial anxieties and intelligence culture (2023–2026). His upcoming book, The Afterwar: Britain's Secret Battle Against Extremism, 1919–1933, is due in 2027.

The most recent publications reveal a strong trend in the history of political violence, intelligence operations, and humanitarian ethics. His work spans from 19th-century terrorism to modern psychological warfare, with recurring themes of fear, propaganda, and institutional responses to extremism. He frequently contributes to public discourse through media engagements and public lectures.

• Fellow, Royal Historical Society (RHS)
• Everett Helm Fellowship, University of Indiana (2022)
• Leverhulme Research Project Grant (£113,000, 2023)
• British Academy Small Grant (2018)

Crossland supervises PhD students on topics related to intelligence and terrorism and has secured multiple research grants. He leads undergraduate and postgraduate modules on the history of terrorism and the laws of war. He is actively involved in organizing academic conferences and public history events, including engagements with the International Spy Museum and Dan Snow’s History Hit.

He leads the Centre for Modern and Contemporary History at LJMU and has convened major international conferences on the Red Cross movement and British imperial insecurities. His public engagement includes podcast appearances, media interviews, and public lectures on the history of terrorism and intelligence.