The Compatriots: The Russian Exiles Who Fought Against the Kremlin

The authors of The Red Web explore the evolving relationship between Russian expatriates and their mother country, highlighting the bloodshed and espionage that have characterized this relationship throughout history. Russian émigrés have played a significant role in the Kremlin's espionage networks, but some have also become assets of the Russian nationalist state or dissidents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: PublicAffairs,U.S.

The authors of The Red Web delve into the ever-evolving role of Russian expatriates throughout history, exploring their intricate and enduring relationship with their motherland, whether it be characterized by antagonism or an overly close bond. The history of Russian espionage is replete with bloodshed, ranging from the spontaneous killing of a secret policeman in Romania in 1924 to the attempted poisoning of an exiled KGB colonel in Salisbury, England, in 2017. Russian émigrés have consistently found themselves at the heart of this turmoil. In the late 19th century, a significant wave of Russians began leaving their country, driven by factors such as pogroms, persecution by the tsarist secret police, and the upheaval of the Revolution. This exodus resulted in the creation of the third-largest diaspora in the world, with Russians spreading across various continents. The Kremlin capitalized on this situation by fostering networks of spies, many of whom were emigrants forced to leave Russia. By the 1930s and 1940s, dozens of spies were stationed in New York City, diligently gathering information for Moscow. However, the story did not conclude with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Some émigrés have aligned themselves with the resurgent Russian nationalist state, while others have taken up the mantle of dissidence once more, albeit at great personal risk. From the legendary figure of Trotsky to the tragic assassination of Alexander Litvinenko, The Compatriots offers a captivating account of Russian score-settling across the globe.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781541730175