National security is one area where the ideological extremes of both parties often meet, with the far-left and far-right valorizing leakers because they view them as victims of a system they do not trust. Still, even in today’s polarized atmosphere, partisanship alone does not explain the reaction to every leak. Chris Coons, pushed back, arguing that Snowden’s revelations triggered a useful debate about the tradeoffs between liberty and security. Snowden was no whistleblower, but a spy and a traitor put his personal politics and ambitions over the safety and well-being of his fellow citizens.” Democratic members of Congress, including Rep.

After those leaks, GOP House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon said, “Mr. He escaped the Soviet Union through M16’s plan undetected by the KGB.That anyone tried to paint Teixeira as a whistleblower hints at the degree to which national security leaks can become political Rorschach tests - inevitably interpreted through one’s partisan or ideological lens.Ī decade ago, it was Republicans who blasted Edward Snowden while some on the left defended his actions.Gordievsky eventually escaped the Soviet Union due to his cover being blown and had to leave his family.He assisted with ending the cold war by showing the United States and the Soviet Union a way they can communicate with each other.Gordievsky was critical in the Cold War because he delivered the psychology about Soviet leaders to M16.He took his family with him to London after going through the KGB files at their head office.He planned his own route back to London in case of an emergency even though the M16 already had a plan in place to evacuate him if necessary.The first meeting went well, but it was not until eight months later that Gordievsky began spying.

In 1970, Britain asked Gordievsky to become a double agent and spy on Russia.If Oleg’s early life influences allowed him to be exposed to western culture and media.Oleg almost joined the KGC but never had an interest in communism.The Spy and the Traitor discusses the story of Oleg Gordievsky, a Soviet double agent who helped end the Cold War through his historic efforts.

Ready to learn the most important takeaways from The Spy and the Traitor in less than two minutes? Keep reading! Why This Book Matters: Note: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and purchase an item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Spy and the traitor