I N T R E P X

In Chapter 2 of “Folly and Glory,” Tim Weiner delves into the formation and early operations of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) in the United States and the KGB (Committee for State Security) in the Soviet Union. This chapter examines how these intelligence agencies became central players in the Cold War, serving as the primary instruments of their respective governments’ covert operations, espionage, and political warfare. Weiner explores the roots of these agencies, the ideologies that shaped them, and their initial missions that set the tone for the decades-long espionage battle between the superpowers.

1. The Origins of the CIA:
Weiner begins by outlining the establishment of the CIA in the wake of World War II. The United States had no dedicated peacetime intelligence agency before the war, relying instead on ad hoc military and diplomatic efforts for intelligence gathering. Recognizing the need for a more organized and effective approach to intelligence in the emerging Cold War landscape, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, which created the CIA. The agency’s mandate was to coordinate intelligence gathering, conduct covert operations, and report directly to the President.

Weiner explains that the CIA’s mission was driven by the American perception of the Soviet threat. The agency’s leaders, many of whom were veterans of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the CIA’s wartime predecessor, believed that the Soviet Union was committed to world domination through espionage, subversion, and political manipulation. The CIA was therefore tasked with countering Soviet influence globally, often through covert means that included espionage, propaganda, and support for anti-communist movements.

2. The Birth of the KGB:
Parallel to the formation of the CIA, the Soviet Union restructured its intelligence apparatus, resulting in the creation of the KGB in 1954. The KGB evolved from earlier Soviet intelligence services, including the NKVD and MGB, which had already played significant roles in internal security and foreign espionage during and after World War II. Under the leadership of Lavrentiy Beria and later Ivan Serov, the KGB became a powerful tool for maintaining internal control and conducting foreign espionage.

Weiner emphasizes that the KGB was deeply embedded in the Soviet political system, acting as the “sword and shield” of the Communist Party. Its dual mandate was to protect the Soviet state from internal and external enemies. This included not only traditional intelligence and counterintelligence operations but also extensive domestic surveillance and political repression. The KGB’s pervasive presence within Soviet society and its ruthless methods made it a formidable counterpart to the CIA.

3. Early Espionage Battles:
The chapter details some of the early confrontations between the CIA and the KGB, which set the stage for the intense espionage war that would characterize the Cold War. Weiner describes how both agencies quickly expanded their networks of agents, spies, and informants around the world. They competed for influence in key geopolitical hotspots, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where the ideological battle between communism and capitalism played out in proxy conflicts, coups, and covert operations.

Weiner highlights specific early operations, such as the CIA’s involvement in the 1948 Italian elections, where the agency funneled money to anti-communist parties to prevent a communist victory. This marked one of the first major covert actions of the CIA and demonstrated the U.S. commitment to containing Soviet influence through direct intervention in the political affairs of other nations. The KGB, for its part, responded with aggressive countermeasures, including disinformation campaigns and the recruitment of high-level Western spies.

4. The Use of Propaganda and Disinformation:
Weiner explores the extensive use of propaganda and disinformation by both the CIA and KGB. The Soviet Union excelled in disseminating false information to manipulate public opinion and undermine Western governments. The KGB’s active measures included spreading conspiracy theories, forging documents, and planting fake news stories that aimed to discredit the United States and its allies. These tactics were designed to exploit societal divisions and sow discord, a strategy that would evolve into a significant weapon in the Cold War arsenal.

The CIA, in response, launched its own propaganda efforts, including Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, which broadcasted anti-communist content into Eastern Bloc countries. These broadcasts aimed to counter Soviet propaganda by providing alternative narratives and promoting the ideals of democracy and freedom. Weiner notes that these psychological operations were central to the Cold War struggle, as both superpowers sought to win the hearts and minds of people around the world.

5. Covert Operations and the Expansion of the Espionage War:
Weiner describes the expansion of covert operations as a defining feature of the CIA and KGB’s activities during the early Cold War. For the CIA, this included efforts to overthrow governments deemed hostile to U.S. interests or aligned with the Soviet Union, such as the 1953 coup in Iran and the 1954 coup in Guatemala. These actions demonstrated the lengths to which the U.S. was willing to go to counter perceived Soviet threats, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability.

The KGB, meanwhile, focused on infiltrating Western institutions, recruiting spies within NATO, and conducting sabotage operations. Weiner highlights the significant successes of Soviet espionage, including the penetration of key U.S. agencies by Soviet spies such as the notorious Cambridge Five in the UK and moles within the U.S. government. These intelligence breaches underscored the high stakes of the espionage war and the vulnerabilities of even the most secure institutions.

6. Internal Struggles and Challenges:
Weiner also touches on the internal challenges faced by both the CIA and KGB, including issues of leadership, mission clarity, and the ethical implications of their actions. The CIA, for example, struggled with the balance between gathering intelligence and conducting covert operations, often facing criticism from within the U.S. government and public for its overreach and perceived failures. The KGB, on the other hand, was tightly controlled by the Communist Party, which sometimes limited its effectiveness by prioritizing political loyalty over operational competence.

Conclusion:
Chapter 2 of “Folly and Glory” provides a detailed examination of the formative years of the CIA and KGB, highlighting how these agencies became central to the Cold War conflict. Weiner underscores that the intelligence war was not just about gathering secrets but was deeply intertwined with the broader political and ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. The chapter sets the stage for understanding the pivotal role that espionage, covert operations, and psychological warfare would play in the decades-long confrontation between the superpowers, shaping the course of global politics in the latter half of the 20th century.