Gordievsky, Vetrov and Penkovsky were three high-ranking Soviet spies who turned ‘double agent’ and gave secrets to the West. Spying has always been part of warfare, but the long Cold War between the Soviet Union and the West was unique because it was predominately fought by spies, not armies. The weapons in this clandestine war were lies, manipulation, blackmail and bribery; the territory they fought over was secrets. Gordievsky, Vetrov and Penkovsky changed history by switching sides and betraying their country. Each in his own way was flawed; each had his own motives (not always noble); each faced his own fears; and, each helped bring an end to the Soviet Union. Ultimately, were they heroes or traitors?

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face
  
  

COURSE OUTLINE

• Background of the Cold War and international espionage during this period
• Description of three case studies of individual spies who committed treason, in the context of wider issues of the Cold War and individuals’ conflicting loyalties
• Analysis of the moral, ethical, psychological and physical aspects of espionage
• Description of the outcome for the wider USSR-West conflict of actions described in three case studies
• Analysis of long-term consequences of outcomes of three case studies