David E. Hoffman wrote this week about Adolf Tolkachev, who became a spy for the CIA in order to avenge the murder of his wife’s parents during the Stalinist purges. Photo: © Bazruh | Dreamstime.
What Made This Man Betray His Country?
David E. Hoffman, The Atlantic
A Soviet citizen working with the highest possible security clearance in a scientific-military compound became one of the CIA’s most valuable spies. His desire to avenge his wife’s parents, victims of the Stalinist purges, eventually led to his own execution.
When Is Outing Justified?
Masha Gessen, The New York Times
A Russian TV host was recently outed for being gay. In a country where “gay propaganda” is outlawed and homosexuality is often met with physical violence, does this outing encourage conversation about tolerant attitudes or does it simply put the young man in harm’s way?
Russian Startups Are Coming to the U.S.
Aleksandr Gorbachev, Newsweek
More and more of Russia’s young and creative minds are relocating to the United States or the U.K., but not necessarily because of their home country’s political situation. Why is Russia unable to retain these entrepreneurs?
What the West Gets Wrong About Russia
Ivan Krastev, The New York Times
Many believe that the key to understanding Russia’s politics is to understand what drives Putin, but Krastev recommends that the West pay closer attention to the unpredictable survivalist mentality that pervades the Kremlin.
Old Doubts About a Cherished Soviet War Legend Resurface, Unleashing Firestorm
Paul Sonne, The Wall Street Journal
Just about every Russian knows the World War II legend of the Panfilov 28. But Russia’s State Archive found that the story was a fabrication, prompting a heated discussion in society about the country’s historical lies and manipulations.
This Is How Russian Internet Censorship Works
Daniil Turovsky, Meduza
Reddit was briefly banned in Russia this week for noncompliance with Roskomnadzor’s demand to block a page on growing illegal mushrooms. Turovsky explains how the Kremlin’s media watchdog censors the Internet.
Compiled by Alexandra Moon, Cyrus Newlin, and Molly Zuckerman.
