

The Spy Who Defused the Missile Crisis | Unpacking the mind of a spy legend | 5
Aug 6, 2024
Oleg Penkovsky, a complex and controversial spy, grabs the spotlight alongside Tristan Donovan, a writer and executive producer, and Jack Basu-Mellish, host of the LSE Cold War Podcast. They dive deep into Penkovsky's motives—heroic or egotistical? The conversation also covers the Cold War's lasting global impact and the critical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Listeners will gain insights on intelligence interpretation and the importance of communication in diplomacy, all while pondering the reliability of history.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Understanding the Cold War's Global Impact
01:40 • 4min
The Spy's Role in Crisis: A Dual Perspective
05:33 • 9min
Geopolitical Tensions and Intermediary Roles in the Cold War Era
14:43 • 4min
Lessons from the Cuban Missile Crisis
18:48 • 13min
Prioritizing Self-Improvement and Comfort
31:21 • 2min
Decision-Making in Crisis: Lessons from the Cold War
32:59 • 7min
Concluding Reflections on Espionage and Upcoming Narratives
40:02 • 2min