'Outliers' was truly an eye-opener when it came to understanding success in aspects such as money, business, and fame. It provided valuable insights and perspectives that made us look at success in a new light.

However, this particular book was also an eye-opener, but in a different realm. It focused on politics, geopolitics, protests, and social dynamics. It revealed the often ugly side of human nature and the complex web of interactions that shape our world.

It made us realize that behind the scenes of political power plays, there are hidden agendas and self-interests at work. Geopolitical tensions can lead to conflicts and unrest, affecting the lives of countless people.

Protests, while a means of expressing dissatisfaction and demanding change, can sometimes turn violent and chaotic. Social dynamics, too, can be a breeding ground for discrimination, inequality, and prejudice.

This book served as a wake-up call, forcing us to confront the harsh realities of our society and the need for positive change.

Fascinating indeed is the story of how it was smuggled out of the Soviet Union. The whole process must have been filled with intrigue and danger.

The content itself is not an easy read. It likely delves into complex topics and perhaps presents a perspective that was not commonly known during that time.

One can only imagine the lengths that those involved went to in order to get this information out. It could have been a matter of great significance, perhaps shedding light on hidden aspects of Soviet society or politics.

The fact that it was smuggled out adds an element of mystery and excitement to the whole affair. It makes one wonder what else might have been hidden within the Soviet Union and what other secrets were waiting to be uncovered.

Overall, this story of smuggling and its not-so-easy-to-read content is truly captivating and leaves one with a sense of curiosity and a desire to know more.

“Nothing better illustrates the continuity between the Soviet and Russian foreign intelligence services than the attempt by the SVR to reclaim its KGB past.” This statement highlights an important aspect of the evolution of intelligence services in the region.

A great read on the exploits and tactics of the Soviet intelligence services provides valuable insights into their likely current roles in Russian policy and politics. The book delves into the history and operations of these services, shedding light on their methods and strategies.

Surprisingly, this book has aged well in the 20 years since it was written. Despite the passage of time, its content remains relevant and informative, offering readers a unique perspective on the world of intelligence. Whether you are interested in history, politics, or simply a good read, this book is sure to captivate and educate.

This was just a reading of the Mitrokin files, and it truly became a bit of a drag the way it was done.

The manner in which it was presented seemed to lack the necessary charm and engagement. It is evident that someone needs to get hold of the files once again.

These files reportedly contain what sound like extremely interesting stories. However, in order to make them more accessible and enjoyable for the readers, they need to be rewritten in a more readable prose.

A new approach is required to bring out the true essence and excitement of these stories, transforming them into a form that can captivate the audience and keep them hooked from start to finish.

This would not only enhance the overall reading experience but also ensure that the valuable information and narratives within the Mitrokin files are effectively conveyed and understood.

Quite recently, a colleague shared with me his resentment towards a newspaper columnist who had labeled a relative of his as a communist spy. My colleague firmly believed that his relative was an innocent victim of McCarthyist red baiting. However, I was aware that his relative was far from innocent and was actually a high-level KGB operative. This was clearly stated in the Mitrokhin Archive vol. I, "The Sword and the Shield".

One of the great tragedies of the Cold War is that numerous western communist spies, who were traitors to their own countries and dupes of one of the worst systems humanity has ever witnessed, managed to successfully rebrand themselves as victims of persecution. The paradigm for this view can be seen in Miller's "The Crucible", where for “witches" one should substitute "spies". The difference being that while there were no real witches, there were indeed real spies. The Rosenbergs were spies and they did assist Stalin in assembling his nuclear weapons. Alger Hiss was also a spy, and the list goes on and on. Moreover, as we have long known or suspected, many NGOs such as the World Council of Churches, along with numerous political parties and publications, were favored haunts for KGB agents and contacts in their never-ending propaganda war.

Volume I of the Mitrokhin files is both bulky and longwinded. The writing style, which was once described as workmanlike, goes to great lengths to avoid rhetoric and even elegance. It simply piles fact upon fact. The facts presented are truly fascinating. As mentioned earlier, many of us were aware that the governing and chattering classes of the West were infiltrated with spies and fellow travelers, but the sheer magnitude of their presence is truly impressive. We also knew that the Soviet leadership often failed to make the best use of the extraordinary intelligence provided by these spies (recall Sorge's warning about operation Barbarossa and how Stalin dismissed him as a British stooge?). The book delves into mind-numbing detail about how often political or personal prejudice hindered the exploitation of the information.

As a Latin American, I have a much greater affinity for volume II of the files. However, volume I is an excellent starting point and serves as a reminder that the Cold War was a real war, that it could have been lost, and what the consequences might have been if that had occurred.

The statement "If all the literate Indians read this it could lead to a civil war. It opens up completely the dirty laundry of Congress and Gandhi family!" is a rather extreme and unsubstantiated claim.

In a democratic country like India, discussions and debates about different political parties and their leaders are a common part of the political landscape. While there may be differences of opinion and criticism, it is highly unlikely that such a situation would lead to a civil war.

Moreover, making blanket accusations about an entire political party and a prominent family without proper evidence is not a fair or objective way of presenting an argument. It is important to base our views on facts and to engage in a rational and respectful dialogue.

Rather than making inflammatory statements, it would be more beneficial to focus on finding solutions to the country's problems and working towards the betterment of society. This requires a spirit of cooperation and collaboration among all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.

Astonishingly, this piece is extremely boring considering the subject matter at hand.

One would expect a topic to be engaging and captivating, but unfortunately, this one fails to deliver.

Moreover, it is completely out of date in light of recent events.

The world is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay current and relevant.

This article seems to be stuck in the past, lacking any connection to the present or any anticipation of the future.

It is a missed opportunity to provide valuable insights and perspectives on a potentially interesting subject.

Perhaps with some updates and a fresh approach, it could become a more engaging and worthwhile read.

As it stands now, however, it is a disappointment.

The KGB archives hold a truly fascinating history that spans most of the 20th century.

These archives provide a wealth of information and insights into the activities and operations of the Soviet intelligence agency.

They serve as a timely reminder that for decades, Russia has been involved in meddling in the domestic politics of other countries.

This interference has had far-reaching consequences and has often disrupted the stability and democratic processes of those nations.

Moreover, the KGB's efforts to perfect its war on the truth are also evident from the archives.

The agency used various tactics and strategies to manipulate information, spread disinformation, and control the narrative.

These actions not only affected the perception of events but also undermined the trust and credibility of the media and the public.

The study of the KGB archives is essential for understanding the complex and often murky world of international politics and intelligence.

It helps us to see the patterns and trends of Russia's foreign policy and its attempts to exert influence and power.

By being aware of these historical facts, we can better protect ourselves and our democracies from similar threats in the future.

Heavy going but worth it.



It took me a staggering six years to read this book, with my progress being rather sporadic. However, in 2023, I made a concerted effort and was finally able to push on and complete it. The content of this book is extremely dense at times, but it reveals just how deeply ingrained and pervasive the Soviet system of repression was. It provides a wealth of detailed information and insights that are truly invaluable for students of the Cold War.



This book serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often dark history of the Soviet Union during that era. It forces the reader to confront the harsh realities and the far-reaching consequences of the repressive measures implemented by the Soviet regime. Despite the challenges it poses, it is well worth the effort for anyone interested in understanding this important period of history.



In conclusion, although the reading experience was not always easy, I am glad that I persevered and completed this book. It has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the Cold War and the Soviet Union, and I would highly recommend it to others with an interest in this subject area.

This is a truly great book that vividly reveals the evil nature of the Soviet Union.

Imagine a mob family that has at its disposal a staggering 10,000 nuclear warheads, and you can begin to fathom the essence of this nightmarish nation.

The book is not founded on baseless heresy or unfounded innuendo. Instead, it is constructed upon smuggled KGB documents that meticulously detail the countless crimes committed by these extremely evil people throughout the entire existence of the USSR.

To be sure, there are some difficult passages to navigate, but as the saying goes, no pain, no gain. By delving into these accounts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dark side of history and the consequences of unchecked power and malevolence.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the true nature of the Soviet Union and the atrocities that were committed within its borders.

A doorstop of a tome, I embarked on this book a whopping 15 years ago. I managed to get a little over 200 pages in, but then for a variety of reasons, I set it aside. It was long and dry, and coincidentally, it was around the time my dear mother lost her battle with cancer. So there it stood on my bookshelf, the bookmark lodged around one-third of the way in, almost taunting me with my lack of commitment. This fall, however, I picked it back up and finally completed the arduous journey.

Yes, it is indeed a rather dry recitation of events and people. But some of the individuals involved are quite surprising, and the litany of plots that the KGB engaged in range from the basest evil to the most inane ideas ever conceived. So much time, rubles, and energy were expended on efforts that mostly bore little fruit, aside from a brief golden age in the 30s and 40s. Once the initial allure faded from Communism's rose, it was a slow and inevitable march towards extinction. Here's a little hint though: Reagan had far less to do with it than is commonly credited to him. Many players, both great and small, filled this historical stage.

Highly recommended for espionage enthusiasts. For the rest of you--well, it'll hold your door shut or open very effectively.

Love the detail chronology. It truly provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at the events and their progression.

However, I can't help but wish there was a sequel that could bring us right up to today's political situation. In this rapidly changing world, it would be fascinating to see how the story continues to unfold.

The political landscape is constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities emerging. A sequel could explore the impact of recent events, such as elections, policy changes, and international relations.

It would also allow for a deeper analysis of the characters and their motives. How have they adapted to the changing circumstances? What are their strategies for the future?

A sequel would not only satisfy our curiosity but also provide valuable insights into the complex world of politics. It could help us better understand the forces at play and make more informed decisions.

So, I eagerly await the possibility of a sequel that would continue the story and keep us engaged with the detail chronology.