Category Archives: Ask A Spy

Holiday Etiquette – Moscow Rules

        With the holidays fast approaching, we can all use a refresher crash course in guest etiquette in preparation for your timely visit to family and friends! Much like the “Rules of Engagement” for spies, the CIA’s … Continue reading

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Do Former Intelligence Professionals Make Good Political Leaders? (PART 2)

In June of last year, Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil el-Sisi was elected President of Egypt in a landslide. Before becoming Egypt’s sixth president, Sisi had been the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces and its Defense Minister. But more … Continue reading

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‘Never admit anything unless you have to’: Thatcher and Intelligence Secrecy

Legendary British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (October 1925 to April 2013), who would have turned 89 this month, was convinced that Britain’s intelligence services should remain absolutely secret, and tried repeatedly to protect them from the gaze of public scrutiny. … Continue reading

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Ben Macintyre Q&A “A Spy Among Friends”

Master storyteller Ben Macintyre’s most ambitious work to date brings to life the twentieth century’s greatest spy story with A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and The Great Betrayal. Macintyre is a writer-at-large for The Times of London and the … Continue reading

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The Implications of DoD’s New WMD Strategy

In June, the Department of Defense released its newest report: “Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction.” Reports like this from the DoD, State Department, and even CIA are released from time to time and temporarily pique my interest, but … Continue reading

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The Americans – Fact or Fiction?

People who suspect foreign spies walk amongst them might be disregarded as “conspiracy theorists,” but did you know KGB operatives actually lived in disguise as mild-mannered Americans during the Cold War? This important moment in spy history is dramatized in … Continue reading

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License to Love: Top Spy Couples

In the world of espionage, love can be a dangerous affair. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we explore our favorite spy couples – both in real life & on-screen – duos who have mixed romance and spying. In some … Continue reading

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Top Ten Spy Books According to Peter Earnest

Good morning, agents. Before you head into the field, it’s imperative that you review the following documents as assigned by our resident spy, Peter Earnest. This list represents a comprehensive guide to trade craft and past missions that will help … Continue reading

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WATCHLIST: BEST SPY MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Freaking out over federal surveillance? It’s time for cinematic distraction that even the NSA would approve. Consider this list your first assignment on the way to becoming a full-fledged espionage expert. 12. The Good Shepherd We chose this spy flick for its … Continue reading

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TOP HOLIDAY SPY GIFTS

The holidays are around the corner, give the gift of spy this season! Just for you, we have declassified our favorite gifts for everyone on your list.   For the Spy Girl 1. Minimergency Kit – Talk about concealment! This kit … Continue reading

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