Across the Commonwealth, governments face a rapidly shifting security landscape shaped by political volatility, technological change, and the growing influence of information in public life. It is within this environment that Commonwealth Alumnus, Matthew Hefler, has built a career at the intersection of intelligence analysis, diplomacy, and democratic governance — work that resonates strongly with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. His focus on democratic resilience, good governance, human rights, and institutional capacity also aligns closely with the Commonwealth’s Strategic Priorities for 2025–2030.
Matthew appearing on CBC News Network with Tim Cook and Andrew Nichols following HM Queen Elizabeth II – Victory in Europe Day 75th Anniversary
Awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship in 2015 to pursue a PhD in War Studies at King’s College London, Matthew developed deep expertise in intelligence history and statecraft, conducting archival research in the UK, France, and the United States. Immersed in the intellectual communities of King’s and Goodenough College, he built the analytical, linguistic, and professional skills that would shape both his academic and public facing contributions.
The Commonwealth Scholarship gave me the resources and the support I needed to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity… and to advance on an academic, professional and personal journey.
Matthew’s research highlights the dual role of intelligence institutions: essential guardians of national security, but also actors requiring strong democratic oversight. His work challenges simplistic portrayals of intelligence agencies and argues for a more nuanced public understanding grounded in transparency, ethical governance, and accountability. He also examines the evolving threat environment shaped by disinformation and foreign interference — dynamics that increasingly shape democratic resilience in Commonwealth countries.
Lecturing as Course Co-Director of Applied History 767: World Order and Present Challenges, flagship course of the Centre for Statecraft and Strategic Communication
Following his PhD, Matthew translated his training into public service as Press Secretary to the Premier of Nova Scotia, where he helped communicate major initiatives on equity, inclusion, and community wellbeing, including efforts to increase visibility for Mi’kmaq and Gaelic languages. He later returned to research and policy engagement as Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Statecraft and Strategic Communication and Project Lead of the Ax:son Johnson Institute Intelligence and Security Programme, where he convenes interdisciplinary forums, advances policy relevant research, and contributes to public debate on intelligence, diplomacy, and global security.
Democracies face sustained and systematic efforts by adversaries to warp the discourse in our societies… Intelligence and secret services have a key role in countering mis and disinformation and a range of hostile threats.
Through his scholarship, teaching, and public engagement, Matthew demonstrates how Commonwealth Scholars can evolve into leaders who connect academic expertise with real world impact. His work strengthens institutional resilience, expands public understanding of security issues, and contributes to strategic conversations shaping governance across the Commonwealth.
I hope that I am contributing to a conversation that will engage our larger societies to help make us all safer, more resilient, and more inclusive.
Read about Matthew Hefler’s case study here.
