Free Thinking

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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with artists and thinkers in debates and interviews.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with leading artists and thinkers in extended interview and debate.

Free Thinking: Spy Talk

Spy talk

Spy Talk

BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Spy Talk

From a secret Iraqi cell to new revelations of Cold War exploits. Rana Mitter hosts.

Cold War betrayals, a former MI6 Director of Operations and a real-life spy drama in Iraq - Rana Mitter hosts a conversation about espionage fact and fiction.

One Cold War spy has his story retold by journalist Simon Kuper, while the granddaughter of another - Charlotte Philby - writes novels that explore the human side and cost of espionage.   Nigel Inkster, former MI6 director of operations and intelligence, looks at the role of spying in present day relations between China and the US, while journalist Margaret Coker explains how old school intelligence gathering without any hi-tech bells and whistles has been reaping rewards in Iraq. Rana Mitter hosts a conversation about spying fact and fiction.

The Happy Traitor: Spies, Lies and Exile in Russia - The Extraordinary Story of George Blake by Simon Kuper is out now.
Charlotte Philby's most recent novel is A Double Life.
The Great Decoupling: China, America and the Struggle for Technological Supremacy by Nigel Inkster is out now.
Margaret Coker's book Spymaster of Baghdad is out now. 
Penguin Classics is re-issuing Len Deighton's novels.  

In our archives you can find Stella Rimington in discussion with Alan Judd https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b048ngpw 
John le Carré in conversation with Anne McElvoy https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b039q13n 
The links in the world of French philosophy and spies https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2mfh3 
And a playlist of programmes on War and Conflict https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06kgbyb

Producer: Torquil MacLeod

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