Intelligence research in Cologne
As one of the largest and most research-intensive comprehensive universities in Europe, the University of Cologne has been meeting the challenges of its time since 1388. In light of the "Zeitenwende" in security policy and against the backdrop of an increasing body of constitutional case law oder an increasing role of constitutional court jurisprudence, it established the Intelligence Services Research Center at the Faculty of Law in 2024.
Research and publication
In its current publications, the Research Center focuses on the legal handling of security-policy challenges. A main focus is on the tools of militant democracy, especially preventive domestic intelligence measures. The Research Center examines the dogmatic conditions under which groups may be placed under surveillance and the public may be warned about them. This includes the legal implications of weapons and promotion. In addition, issues relating to foreign intelligence are increasingly coming to the fore oder are becoming more prominent. For example, structural issues are raised in the light of the "turn of an era".
Most recently, the journal articles deal with potopics that are currently the subject of intense political debate such as the function of the separation principle under the pressure of hybrid threats or the protection of vital state interests in a transparency-oriented society. Questions of secret protection and constitutional compliance, in particular with regard to protecting state institutions from infiltration by extremist actors or actors acting on behalf of a foreign power, also play an important role in research activities.
Recent publications (in German)
Lectures and seminars
The intelligence law has not only gained political significance in Germany, but has also become increasingly shaped by regulation, particularly through constitutional court decisions. Against this backdrop, addressing this field of special administrative law in university teaching is becoming increasingly important.
- The in-depth lecture "Public Security" is generally offered every semester in the public law specialization area of the Faculty of Law. In terms of content, the course builds on previous knowledge of police law from the basic and advanced courses and examines the activities of the three German Federal Intelligence Services: for foreign affairs (BND), domestic affairs (BfV) and military affairs (BAMAD). The aim is to paint a comprehensive picture of upstream intelligence gathering.
- In addition, doctoral seminars, specialization seminars and exam-preparation seminars on the "Law of Intelligence Services and Countering Extremism" are held at irregular intervals, which are also part of the exam preparation. On the basis of individual research papers, students present their critical considerations in oral discussions.
Third Mission
When you think of the tasks of academic institutions, you first think of two fields: research and teaching. However, universities also have a third mission: the interactive transfer of knowledge. The new knowledge created at the university should be useful and usable for society. The Intelligence Services Research Center is strongly committed to this mission.
Legal advice
As part of parliamentary hearing procedures at federal and state level, the Research Center supports legislative processes relating to the intelligence services. It also advises members of parliament from government and opposition parties on other matters.
In addition, the Research Center is the point of contact for various ministries and intelligence services – mainly on strategic issues, but in exceptional individual cases on specific legal disputes. The aim is to promote lawful and substantively sound governance in the field of secret intelligence. The Research Center also responds to inquiries from non-governmental organizations.
Media consultation
The activities of the intelligence services are currently under high media scrutiny – and at the same time are particularly difficult to capture due to the structural need for secrecy in these authorities. Against this background, the Research Center regularly contributes to informing the public.
The press work is mainly carried out through public statements, for example in the form of interviews or media guest contributions. In addition, the research center offers journalists the opportunity to explain legal standards in in background discussions or to classify current developments from a professional perspective without direct reporting.
Events
In addition to individual special events on the occasion of current developments or the visit of distinguished guests, the Research Center offers in particular the annual Cologne Intelligence Services Forum. The symposium at Schloss Wahn, which takes place at the beginning of each fall, is aimed at early-career academics, including academic staff below professorial rank without the need for specific prior knowledge of security law.
In cooperation with the German Federal Intelligence Services – foreign, domestic and military –, the Research Center offers practical specialist lectures dedicated to a constantly changing security policy area, followed by in-depth and often critical discussions. The conference series is sponsored by the Adenauer School of Government.
People and contact
Internal members (board)
For inquiries that are not addressed to specific members of the Research Center, the support team at the Administrative Office will be happy to help you via the contact form. Please understand that the University cannot provide legal advice to private individuals.
Your input will be processed in accordance with the data protection declaration of the University. Statutory rights to information may be restricted in accordance with §§ 11, 12 para. 2 ff. DSG NRW.