Description
Book SynopsisThe Stasi were among the most successful security and intelligence services in the Cold War. Based on a wealth of sources, including interviews with former Stasi officers and their victims, the book tells a fascinating yet frightening story of unbridled power, misguided idealism, treachery, widespread opportunism and lonely courage.
Trade Review'This book helps us fill an important gap in our understanding of both the GDR and the Soviet bloc as a whole.' - Professor Christopher Andrew, Daily Telegraph
'Childs and Popplewell give...a fine overview... well-written and enjoyable.' - Jeffrey Kopstein, Europe-Asia Studies ,University of Glasgow
'The first book in English based largely on revelations from this astonishing archive...[It] helps us fill an important gap in our understanding of both the GDR and the Soviet bloc as a whole.' - Chris Andrew, The Daily Telegraph
'A valuable work...based on detailed research, some of it in previously secret archives, and personal experience of the German communist state.' - Peter Johnson, former BBC/Reuters correspondent, East Berlin/Moscow, British-German Review
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements List of Abbreviations Introduction German Communism, the Comintern and Secret Intelligence, 1918-43 The Origins and Development of East German State Security: the Ulbricht Years, 1945-71 The MfS, SED and the East German State The MfS as an Internal Security Organ East German Foreign Intelligence, 1945-89 HVA Operations against West Germany From Triumph to Catastrophe: the Stasi under Mielke and Honecker, 1971-89 Aftermath - Biographical Information Chronology Bibliography Index of Persons General Index
