Gordievsky’s turn against the Soviet system is generally described as ideological, not mercenary.
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Ben Macintyre
The most-loved lines from Ben Macintyre, drawn from 1 book in the library.
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An institution that sees enemies everywhere can still miss the one that matters. A takeaway on how suspicion can blind an organisation.
Trust is the operating currency of intelligence work. Once broken, it becomes the perfect cover for a mole.
Gordievsky spent years passing information to British intelligence while serving as a KGB officer.
Staying hidden for years takes discipline: a steady routine and a convincing cover. HourLife’s reading of the story.
Gordievsky’s 1985 escape from the Soviet Union, through Finland, is among the best-known exfiltrations of the Cold War.
His reporting is widely credited with giving Western leaders insight into how much the Kremlin feared a Western first strike.
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