Breaking History How a Russian Spy Destroyed a Beautiful Mind
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Sep 3, 2025 Jefferson Morley, author of 'The Ghost' and an expert on intelligence, delves into the intricate world of espionage and disinformation. He unveils the life of James Jesus Angleton, the CIA’s paranoia prophet, and how his pursuit of truth amidst deceit led to his mental unraveling. The discussion spans from historical espionage tactics to the modern implications of Russiagate, revealing how misinformation continues to shape American perceptions. Morley’s insights blend the personal and professional, showcasing the enduring echoes of Cold War anxieties.
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Fact-Lie Hybrid Is Information Warfare
- Russian influence mixes real facts with lies to make narratives believable and manipulate opinion.
- The 2016 election showed how true leaks plus disinformation create plausible but false conclusions.
Spy Who Loved Literature
- James Jesus Angleton cultivated a cultivated literary persona, reading Dante and Joyce and founding a poetry journal at Yale.
- His life blended literary obsession with espionage, shaping his cryptic counterintelligence style.
Friendship As A Conduit For Betrayal
- Kim Philby cultivated a close friendship with Angleton and leveraged social trust to access CIA secrets over boozy lunches.
- Philby used that intimacy to pass sensitive information to the Soviets while remaining a trusted ally.
