Neal Ascherson, a seasoned journalist with six decades of experience, shares riveting stories from his extensive career, including a close call with a historical scoop involving Mikhail Gorbachev. He reflects on the impact of Claud Cockburn's journalism, ethics during brutal conflicts, and the nuances of transitioning from Communism. Ascherson discusses his time in colonial Uganda, the personal complexities of mentorship, and the lively spirit of Poland during its fight for independence. He also critiques the thin line between patriotism and nationalism.
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Cockburn's Journalistic Strengths
Claude Cockburn's journalistic strength stemmed from intense curiosity and an aversion to secrecy.
His writing was enhanced by a deep understanding of English literature.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Suppressed Al Capone Interview
Cockburn, working for The Times, suppressed an Al Capone interview.
Capone's pro-capitalism views mirrored The Times' own, creating an ironic conflict for Cockburn.
insights INSIGHT
Exposing Appeasement
Claude Cockburn exposed the "Cliveden Set's" appeasement policy towards Nazi Germany through his newsletter, The Week.
This, along with the Munich Agreement, shifted British public opinion against appeasement.
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In 'Spycatcher', Peter Wright provides a candid account of his career in MI5, including his work on counterintelligence and his efforts to unmask Soviet moles within the British intelligence community. The book alleges significant wrongdoing and unethical practices within MI5 and MI6, such as plots against Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the attempted assassination of President Nasser during the Suez Crisis. Wright also discusses the history of MI5, its principal officers, and various intelligence techniques. The book gained notoriety due to the British government's attempts to suppress its publication, leading to a significant legal battle and public interest in the book's revelations.
1984
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George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Complicated Women
Complicated Women
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B. Wilson
Neal Ascherson has worked as a journalist for more than six decades, reporting from Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, its successor states and elsewhere. He has also written more than a hundred pieces for the London Review of Books, from its seventh issue (in February 1980) to its most recent. In this episode of the LRB podcast, Ascherson talks to Thomas Jones about his recent piece on the journalist Claud Cockburn and about his own life and career, from his time as propaganda secretary for the Uganda National Congress to the moment he witnessed preparations for the kidnapping of Mikhail Gorbachev in Crimea but ‘missed the scoop of a lifetime’.
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