Ep 12. Cold War: Inside the KGB

In season 3 episode 12 of Secrets of War, the focus turns towards the Cold War and specifically, the inner workings of the Soviet Union's security agency, the KGB. The episode delves into the tactics used by the KGB to monitor and control their own citizens, as well as their operations abroad.

Through interviews with former KGB agents and experts on the topic, viewers get an inside look at the extensive network of informants and spies utilized by the agency. In addition, the episode reveals the KGB's involvement in numerous international incidents, such as the assassination of Bulgarian dissident writer Georgi Markov and the attempt to recruit American diplomat John S. Service as a spy.

The episode also explores the complexities of the KGB's relationship with other intelligence agencies during the Cold War. While the agency collaborated with other communist states, such as East Germany's Stasi, their relations with other Soviet agencies were often rocky. This included conflicts with the Soviet military and the GRU (Soviet military intelligence agency) over their respective roles in intelligence gathering and the handling of foreign agents.

Throughout the episode, viewers are exposed to the various challenges faced by KGB agents, including the constant risk of capture or exposure. The episode also touches on the agency's controversial use of tactics such as blackmail, torture, and assassination to achieve their goals.

Overall, Cold War: Inside the KGB provides an intriguing look at the secretive world of Soviet intelligence during a pivotal period in world history. With its mix of expert analysis, firsthand accounts, and historical footage, the episode is sure to engage anyone interested in the intricacies of intelligence gathering and international politics.