Esteemed journalist and biographer Charles Moore delves into one of the most iconic political alliances of the 20th century: the extraordinarily close bond between British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and U.S.
Thatcher & Reagan episode 2 – A Very Special Relationship Read More »
In Thatcher & Reagan episode 1, journalist Charles Moore delves into one of the most compelling political alliances of the 20th century: the extraordinary partnership between British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Thatcher & Reagan episode 1 – A Very Special Relationship Read More »
An in-depth investigative biography explores the life of the man at the heart of one of the 20th century’s most significant political crimes.
The Mysterious Career of Lee Harvey Oswald Read More »
Rise of the Nazis – The Ratline – In the aftermath of the landmark international trial at Nuremberg, the most senior-ranking members of the Nazi party faced either the cold embrace of execution or the harsh shackles of imprisonment. This significant event painted a picture of justice being served, providing a beacon of hope and reparation to a world ravaged by war and atrocity. Despite this, a considerable number of these abominable criminals successfully evaded the hand of justice, continuing to lurk in the shadows, their deeds unpunished and their names unspoken. As the fragile world embarked on
Rise of the Nazis – The Ratline Read More »
The Spying Game Tales from the Cold War episode 3 – In the late 1980s, a pivotal era marked by significant changes and geopolitical tensions, the Soviet army found itself at the center of universal modernization efforts. This transformative process did not go unnoticed by the vigilant eyes of Western military intelligence, particularly in East Germany where their watchful gaze was fixed. In the vast expanse of the field, weapons-scouts dutifully patrolled day and night, ever vigilant in their quest for critical information. Simultaneously, agents stationed within the high command and intelligence service stations operated with unwavering commitment. Their presence
The Spying Game Tales from the Cold War episode 3 Read More »
The Spying Game Tales from the Cold War episode 2 – During the height of the Cold War, characterized by escalating tensions between the Eastern and Western blocs, a sense of alarm permeated the international stage. It was in this context that the intelligence services of Western nations found themselves compelled to shift their unwavering focus towards East Germany, which stood as the prominent deployment zone for the Warsaw Pact. This strategic shift proved to be an unparalleled opportunity for Western intelligence agencies to gain invaluable insights into Soviet military capabilities. Nowhere else did they have such close
The Spying Game Tales from the Cold War episode 2 Read More »
The Spying Game Tales from the Cold War episode 1 – During the era of the Cold War, a multitude of individuals found themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and secrecy. While some dedicated their efforts to meticulously counting tanks, others cunningly embarked on missions to pilfer classified blueprints for highly destructive bombs. It was a time when espionage reigned supreme, and the clandestine activities of spies and spotters shaped the very fabric of this intense geo political rivalry. Amidst this backdrop of high-stakes espionage, even the Allied Military Missions in Germany played a dual role, serving
The Spying Game Tales from the Cold War episode 1 Read More »
Cold War episode 21 – Soldiers of God 1975-1988 – Afghanistan is a war that costs the lives of almost 15,000 Soviet conscripts and an estimated one million Afghans. The turbulent conflict in Afghanistan that unfolded during the closing decades of the 20th century can be characterized as a tragic, costly war of significant global consequence. This fierce clash resulted in the untimely demise of nearly 15,000 Soviet conscripts, while the Afghan populace suffered even more heavily with an estimated one million lives extinguished. This theatre of war became an unlikely meeting ground for an unusual alliance, as the United
Cold War episode 21 – Soldiers of God 1975-1988 Read More »
Cold War episode 20 – Freeze 1977-1981: In 1976, Jimmy Carter and Leonid Brezhnev promised to reduce East-West tensions. But within four years those promises turned to anger and mistrust. The Cold War was far from over. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan ends detente. Promising tougher measures against Moscow; Reagan defeats Carter for the presidency. In Poland, martial law is imposed. Carter’s ambitious proposals for total multilateral nuclear disarmament are rejected by Brezhnev; his championing of human rights does not win favour either. The Helsinki Accords encourage writers to establish Charter 77 in Czechoslovakia. The visit of Pope
Cold War episode 20 – Freeze 1977-1981 Read More »
Cold War episode 19 – Backyard 1954-1990: The United States has always regarded Latin America as its own backyard. Fearing the spread of communism, it seeks to destabilize leftist governments. In 1973, the CIA helps overthrow the Chilean president Salvador Allende; in the 1980’s it support right wing extremists in Nicaragua and El Salvador. The United States saw the emergence of leftist movements in different Latin American countries as threatening to its commercial interests, and secretly plotted with military strongmen and middle class interests concerned with the land reforms and nationalisation policies of new governments. In Guatemala
Cold War episode 19 – Backyard 1954-1990 Read More »
Cold War episode 18 – Good Guys, Bad Guys 1967-1978: The Cold War was not only a confrontation between two superpowers, but also a series of proxy conflicts that involved their allies and surrogates in different regions of the world. One of the main arenas of this surrogate warfare was the Middle East, where the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence and resources. In 1967 and 1973, Israel, backed by the United States, defeated Egypt and Syria, supported by the Soviet Union, in the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War. These wars reshaped
Cold War episode 18 – Good Guys, Bad Guys 1967-1978 Read More »
Cold War episode 17 – Detente 1969-1975: In the early 1970s, North Vietnam launched a new offensive against the South, prompting the United States to intensify its bombing campaign in an effort to bring an end to the conflict. At the same time, the U.S. government, under President Richard Nixon, sought to establish peace through diplomatic means, building closer relations with both China and the USSR. As part of this strategy, Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT) in 1972, marking a significant step toward détente between the two superpowers. Meanwhile, West German Chancellor
Cold War episode 17 – Detente 1969-1975 Read More »