The Amazing Story of the Russian Defector Who Changed his Mind
This story of espionage and counterespionage is, as it describes itself a “John le Carré novel come to life”.
The town that disappeared
A story looking at Russian “monotowns” – places that were often built and populated decades ago to exploit a single resource (such as coal or ore) and are now in decline as those resources are exhausted or the economyÕs needs have moved on.
From Russia With Blood
An in depth investigation by Buzzfeed News into the death of a British fixer in London points to Russian involvement, and to the death being the ninth in a series amongst a group of people linked to Boris Berezovsky, the oligarch who turned against the Kremlin. The piece also suggests that the British government did not investigate the death fully, rapidly naming it a suicide and moving on.
Vladimir Lenin’s Return Journey to Russia Changed the World Forever
The author retraces Lenin’s return from exile in 1917, a journey that was to have a profound impact on human history.
The Last World Cup
A look at the inevitable intermingling of geo-politics and technology with football and the World Cup. The piece’s thrust is perhaps best exemplified by the anecdote it contains recounting Sepp Blatter’s genuine ambition to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Gangster’s paradise: how organised crime took over Russia
A piece examining the criminal organisations operating in Russia and how they have evolved during Vladimir Putin’s time in office.
Revealed: The Secret KGB Manual for Recruiting Spies
This three part story examines newly released KGB operational manuals and looks for evidence of their tactics in recruiting foreign targets today, in Russia’s moves in the Middle East, and in their approach to turning Russians worldwide into intelligence assets.
What Putin Really Wants
A piece looking at Russia’s global influence that seeks to counter the common perception that Vladimir Putin is an all-seeing strategic genius, instead characterising him as a “gambler who won big” with his highly successful electoral meddling.
RT, Sputnik and Russia’s New Theory of War
An impressive piece of reporting, looking at the Russian propaganda machine, its highly strategic attempts to “undermine the U.S.-led liberal democratic order”, and some of its recent successes in influencing international geo-politics.
The Lord and The Patriot
The story of how Chechnya’s ruler Ramzan Kadyrov uses sport to project and consolidate his power. Stunts include organising a mixed martial arts bout for children featuring his own sons, aged between eight and eleven.