THE SECRET STRUGGLE FOR COLD WAR DOMINANCE

A new podcast on the Cold War in the Global South

Authors Katarina Urban Richterova, Dr Daniela Richterova Publisher Institute Of Advanced Study at the University Of Warwick

In recent years, former Eastern Bloc territories have released a flood of previously classified documents relating to the Cold War. As a result, historians have been able to piece together a new narrative that exposes a surprisingly ‘hot’ side of the Cold War in the Global south. This podcast, by Dr Daniela Richterova and her sister Katarina Urban Richterova, explores recently discovered stories relating to this topic.

Composed of interviews with a number of historians, The Secret Struggle frames itself around a special issue of The International History Review. Using this issue as its base, its discussions are far less academic in tone than one would perhaps expect from a series centred around journal articles. Indeed, the podcast has a lovely relaxed quality and is an incredibly easy listen. At only 25 minutes per episode one could be forgiven for assuming they might feel rushed, but the pace gives enough time to tell a narrative without overwhelming a less versed listener.

Yet despite this relaxed and less academic tone, one of the podcast’s most enjoyable aspects is its interest in the work of the historian and the very real excitement of both the guests and hosts when discussing previously secret documents. Numerous historical podcasts run with the gimmick of presenting their audience with previously forgotten or unknown stories; here, it’s geniune and we were enthralled with the life stories of individuals such as Dennis Phombeah, who worked for a variety of intelligence agencies.

An excellent way to explore new aspects of this fascinating topic, The Secret Struggle is a must listen for spy fans and Cold War historians alike.