Weekend Special: Spies & Espionage - Part 1

There are so many great reads on this topic; even after filtering quite a few, I was left with thirty pieces I wanted to recommend. I decided to publish it in two parts. I hope you enjoy part one. I will publish part two next Sunday.

Kim Philby and the Age of Paranoia

New York Times • 10 Jul 1994 • ~12400 words • Archive Link

The article explores the life and legacy of Kim Philby, a notorious British spy who defected to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It delves into the psychological aspects of Philby's betrayal, the lingering questions and theories surrounding his actions, and his lasting impact on the "Age of Paranoia" that emerged from the intelligence wars between East and West.
This story might sound familiar if you watched A Spy Among Friends, an excellent slow-burn mini-series about Philby.

Kim Philby, famous for deceiving the British by posing as a loyal agent of the Crown while really working for the K.G.B., might actually have been deceiving the Soviets by posing as their agent on behalf of the Brits.

The secret lives of MI6’s top female spies

Financial Times • 8 Dec 2022 • ~7100 words • Archive Link

The article provides a rare glimpse into the lives and careers of three top female spies at the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). In this piece, Helen Warrell shares insights from these female officers, revealing how their unique experiences and perspectives make them invaluable in a traditionally male-dominated world of espionage. This article not only sheds light on their secretive lives but also challenges the outdated perceptions of women in intelligence.

Despite having proved themselves with significant skill and bravery during the second world war, women in MI6 and its sister agency MI5 struggled to progress and were not regularly recruited as intelligence officers until the late 1970s.

The FBI, My Husband, and Me

The American Scholar • 6 Jun 2016 • ~6300 words

In an exploration of personal history and political intrigue, the author uncovers the story of her husband, Ted, who found himself entangled in the FBI's watchful eye during the Cold War. As she sifts through his old photographs and FBI files, she reveals the fears and misunderstandings that marked Ted’s journey from a Soviet passport holder to a U.S. citizen, shedding light on a time when suspicion ruled the day.

The white security index card was integral to Hoover’s byzantine paper world . . . Some 200 of the names were in a special category: judged the most dangerous, they would be the first to be rounded up. It didn’t take long for Ted’s file to be flagged “Espionage” and his security index card to be marked “Special.”

Origins of Intelligence Services: Byzantine Intelligence Service

kroraina.com • 1 Jan 1974 • ~24400 words

The Byzantine Empire has a reputation for being sneaky and conniving, full of intrigue and plots. That reputation is very exaggerated compared to reality, but there is still some truth to it. Explore the intriguing world of Byzantine intelligence services, which uncovers how emperors navigated treacherous political landscapes. From secret agents among rival nations to the clever strategies employed in espionage, these book chapters reveal the complexities of safeguarding an empire through information gathering and diplomatic maneuvering.

Fortunately the Byzantines had an agent in Baghdad. He was a tax-collector named Nicholas who, being suspected of embezzlement, had escaped to the Arabs and, in order to win their confidence, became a Muslim. Before escaping he must have made an arrangement with the Byzantine government as to how he would communicate important intelligence to them.

The Spy Who Loved Us

The New Yorker • 15 May 2005 • ~9700 words • Archive Link

In this piece from The New Yorker, we delve into the life of Pham Xuan An, a journalist who simultaneously served as a spy during the Vietnam War. His dual roles as a trusted correspondent for Time and a covert operative highlight the blurred lines of loyalty and truth in a tumultuous period. Discover how An navigated this precarious balance while shaping narratives from both sides of the conflict.

An was named a Hero of the People’s Armed Forces, awarded four military-exploit medals, and elevated to the rank of brigadier general. He was also sent to a reëducation camp and forbidden to meet Western visitors.

Stephen Kim Spoke to a Reporter. Now He’s in Jail. This Is His Story.

The Intercept • 18 Feb 2015 • ~11000 words • Archive Link

What happens when a government official speaks to a reporter? For Stephen Kim, it led to his imprisonment under the Espionage Act. This in-depth profile explores the devastating consequences Kim faced for his interactions with a journalist, raising questions about the boundaries of press freedom and national security.

Kim had the particular misfortune of being a mid-level official. Senior officials tend to have powerful allies who can push back against the Department of Justice.

The Amazing Story of the Russian Defector Who Changed his Mind

Washingtonian • 16 Feb 2018 • ~5200 words • Archive Link

In a twist that sounds like something out of a spy novel, Colonel Vitaly Yurchenko, a KGB officer, defected to the U.S. only to have a change of heart. This story details his initial revelations of espionage and betrayal, the intense scrutiny he faced, and the subsequent mystery surrounding his return to Russia. Explore the murky world of Cold War intelligence and the complexities of loyalty and deception.

Yurchenko sparked a chain of events around the world. Traitors were exposed, propaganda campaigns devised and launched, secrets whispered to the press, careers altered and destroyed. Moles, leaks, dirty tricks, “active measures”—it was a moment that exposed America’s vulnerability to Russian espionage. The year 1985 came to be known as the Year of the Spy.

Tycoon, Contractor, Soldier, Spy

Vanity Fair • 2 Dec 2009 • ~5950 words • Archive Link

This piece provides an in-depth look at the controversial private military contractor Blackwater and its founder, Erik Prince. Prince is a man who has found himself at the center of controversy, often described as a scapegoat for the Bush administration's missteps in Iraq. As it delves into the complex and shadowy world of private military contracting, this article reveals Prince's dual role as a businessman and covert operator for the CIA while navigating public scrutiny and legal challenges.

But the truth about Prince may be orders of magnitude stranger than fiction. For the past six years, he appears to have led an astonishing double life. Publicly, he has served as Blackwater’s C.E.O. and chairman. Privately, and secretly, he has been doing the C.I.A.’s bidding, helping to craft, fund, and execute operations

Stealing White

Bloomberg.com • 3 Feb 2016 • ~3550 words • Archive Link

This piece from Bloomberg uncovers the story of Walter Liew, who allegedly stole DuPont’s trade secrets for titanium dioxide over a span of 14 years. It's a gripping exploration of intellectual property theft and the implications it has for both individuals and corporations.

DuPont/Chemours does shield its titanium dioxide process. Guards patrol its plants, which are surrounded by tall fences. Visitors have to be escorted and are forbidden from taking photographs. Documents and blueprints must be signed out, bags inspected.

'I thought I was smarter than almost everybody': my double life as a KGB agent

the Guardian • 11 Feb 2017 • ~4700 words

Jack Barsky's journey from East Germany to becoming a KGB spy in America is a compelling tale of identity and deception. In this piece, we learn about the complexities of living a double life, the choices he made, and the personal costs of his espionage. Barsky's story not only sheds light on the world of spies but also explores the emotional weight of leaving loved ones behind.

As he entered the subway, he caught sight of something startling: a daub of red paint on a metal beam. Barsky had looked for it every morning for years; it meant he had a life-changing decision to make, and fast . . . Barsky knew the drill. The red paint was a warning that he was in immediate danger, that he should hurry to collect cash and emergency documents from a prearranged drop site.

The Spy Who Came Home

The New Yorker • 5 May 2018 • ~9293 words • Archive Link

Patrick Skinner's journey from CIA counterterrorism to community policing in Savannah raises essential questions about the role of law enforcement in society. In this article from The New Yorker, Skinner reflects on his experiences and the lessons he’s learned about building trust and understanding within his community, challenging the militarized approach often seen in policing today. Can one man’s perspective reshape how we think about safety and connection?

Skinner sped north, picturing the Camaro’s likely escape route, and how to cut the driver off. “If he’s an idiot, he’ll turn right on Fifty-second Street and end up behind me at the next light,” Skinner said. Two minutes later, the Camaro rounded a bend and pulled up behind Skinner. He smiled.

The Spy Who Dumped the CIA, Went to Therapy, and Now Makes Incredible Television

WIRED • 4 Dec 2023 • ~5100 words • Archive Link

What does it take to be a successful spy-turned-TV writer? Joe Weisberg, a former CIA agent, has channeled his unique experiences into creating some of television's most psychologically complex and morally ambiguous characters. This in-depth profile explores Weisberg's journey from the world of espionage to the world of television, delving into the personal and professional influences that have shaped his acclaimed shows like The Americans and The Patient.

The Americans rode to acclaim by enacting such interpersonal paranoias on the historical stage, the complication being that sometimes the enemies we create are indeed out to destroy us, and sometimes our side is worse.

Top Secret America: A hidden world, growing beyond control

Washington Post • 22 Jul 2010 • ~5350 words • Archive Link

This is the first part in a series by the Washington Post called Top Secret America, focusing on the post-9/11 growth of the United States Intelligence Community. This piece delves into the complexities and redundancies of our intelligence system, raising important questions about its effectiveness in keeping us safe amidst overwhelming bureaucracy.

The top-secret world the government created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has become so large, so unwieldy and so secretive that no one knows how much money it costs, how many people it employs, how many programs exist within it or exactly how many agencies do the same work.

National Security Inc.

Washington Post • 20 Jul 2010 • ~5250 words • Archive Link

Part 2 of Top Secret America: In a world where national security increasingly relies on private contractors, this piece explores the complexities and implications of this shift. With a staggering 265,000 contractors holding top-secret clearances, the article raises important questions about oversight, expertise, and the blurred lines between private and public roles in intelligence operations. It’s a read that invites you to reconsider who really safeguards your security.

In the shadow of giants such as General Dynamics are 1,814 small to midsize companies that do top-secret work. About a third of them were established after Sept. 11, 2001, to take advantage of the huge flow of taxpayer money into the private sector. Many are led by former intelligence agency officials who know exactly whom to approach for work.

Top Secret America: The secrets next door

Washington Post • 21 Jul 2010 • ~2950 words • Archive Link

Part 3 of Top Secret America: What goes on just beyond the gates of Fort Meade? Explore the hidden world of the NSA and the surrounding clusters of top-secret organizations operating in suburban America's shadows. From armored SUVs to covert surveillance training, this article peels back the layers of a complex landscape that’s both familiar and foreign, revealing how deeply entwined these clandestine operations are with everyday life.

The existence of these clusters is so little known that most people don't realize when they're nearing the epicenter of Fort Meade's, even when the GPS on their car dashboard suddenly begins giving incorrect directions, trapping the driver in a series of U-turns, because the government is jamming all nearby signals.