**Book Talk**
Agents of Influence
Mark Hollingsworth on the History of the KGB
David Bradley interviews Mark Hollingsworth about his latest book,
Agents of Influence, about the KGB's history.
The world's most feared intelligence service will be unveiled by investigative journalist and historian Mark Hollingsworth.
Discover how it started, how it worked and how it now influences today's FSB.
£35 each.
Monday 17th April 2023
The Bridge Room (upstairs), The Prince Albert, 85 Albert Bridge Road, London SW11
Arrive 7pm - Drinks at the bar
Talk starts 7.30pm
Optional dinner 8.30pm
About Mark Hollingsworth
Mark is an investigative journalist, historian and author of ten books, notably Londongrad, Saudi Babylon, an acclaimed study of MI5, and biographies of Mark Thatcher and Tim Bell. He worked for Granada TV’s award-winning World in Action documentary series and writes regularly for The Times, Mail on Sunday, Spectator, Guardian and Daily Telegraph.
Some of what you'll discover
* How the culture of the KGB is entwined with Russia’s acute sense of insecurity. (Having been invaded and ruled for 200 years by the Mongols, they then fought off Swedes, French and Germans.)
* Similarities the CIA and MI6 share with the KGB that has made them, on occasions, almost as controversial - and the one thing that keeps them in check that the KGB lacked
* How honey traps worked and why they were so successful, the emotional damage they wrought upon victims and how the trappers became emotionally ensnared themselves
* The KGB’s intriguing techniques for spreading disinformation involving planting false, salacious stories about their victims, even in obscure African publications.
*The psychological effects of spying and how morally upright, rational people can become addicted to deception - and worse.
* Why honey trappers mostly from Czechoslovakia. (Hint: it’s also why Prague later became the most popular destination for stag parties.)
Monday 17th April 2023
The Bridge Room (upstairs), The Prince Albert, 85 Albert Bridge Road, London SW11
Arrive 7pm - Drinks at the bar
Talk starts 7.30pm
Optional dinner 8.30pm
£35 each.