Jonathan Haslam Boeken

The true story of Soviet intelligence, from the very beginnings in 1917 right through to the end of the Cold War - now told in full for the first time

The Spectre of War looks at a subject we thought we knew--the roots of the Second World War--and upends our assumptions with a masterful new interpretation. Looking beyond traditional explanations based on diplomatic failures or military might, Jonathan Haslam explores the neglected thread connecting them all: the fear of Communism prevalent across continents during the interwar period. Marshalling an array of archival sources, including records from the Communist International, Haslam transforms our understanding of the deep-seated origins of World War II, its conflicts, and its legacy

A uniquely comprehensive and rich account of the Soviet intelligence services, Jonathan Haslam's Near and Distant Neighbors charts the labyrinthine story of Soviet intelligence from the October Revolution to the end of the Cold War. Previous histories have focused on the KGB, leaving military intelligence and the special service--which focused on codes and ciphers--lurking in the shadows. Drawing on previously neglected Russian sources, Haslam reveals how both were in fact crucial to the survival of the Soviet state. This was especially true after Stalin's death in 1953, as the Cold War heated up and dedicated Communist agents the regime had relied upon--Klaus Fuchs, the Rosenbergs, Donald Maclean--were betrayed. In the wake of these failures, Nikita Khrushchev and his successors discarded ideological recruitment in favor of blackmail and bribery. The tactical turn was so successful that we can draw only one conclusion: the West ultimately triumphed despite, not because of, the espionage war. In bringing to light the obscure inhabitants of an undercover intelligence world, Haslam offers a surprising and unprecedented portrayal of Soviet success that is not only fascinating but also essential to understanding Vladimir Putin's power today.

The book offers a critical analysis of three decades of diplomatic failures and miscommunications that have fueled mutual distrust, culminating in the devastating war in Ukraine. It delves into the historical context, exploring key moments and decisions that shaped the relationship between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the complexity of geopolitical dynamics and the consequences of missed opportunities for peace.

The phrase Cold War was coined by George Orwell in 1945 to describe the impact of the atomic bomb on world politics. Far more than merely a straightforward history of the Cold War, this book presents an account of politics and decision making at the highest levels of Soviet power.