SNAFU with Ed Helms

S1E3: Two Spies Living Lies

6 snips
Oct 19, 2022
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ANECDOTE

Gordievsky's Spy Training Demo

  • Oleg Gordievsky demonstrated KGB training by avoiding confrontation with surveillance during a British TV show.
  • His average appearance helped him blend in and avoid detection as a spy.
INSIGHT

Operation Ryan’s Paranoia

  • Operation Ryan was a Soviet KGB program to spot imminent nuclear attack signs from the West.
  • Irrational signals like changes in Pentagon office lights were also tracked, amplifying paranoia.
ANECDOTE

Czech Invasion Sparks Defection

  • Gordievsky’s disillusionment began with the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
  • Witnessing USSR's oppressive move was the turning point leading him to become a double agent.
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