Summary of The World Was Going Our Way: The KGB and the Battle for the Third World by Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin
This book, part of a series based on the secret archives smuggled out of the USSR by KGB defector Vasili Mitrokhin, exposes Soviet covert operations during the Cold War, particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. It details how the KGB supported revolutionary movements, orchestrated coups, spread propaganda, and conducted disinformation campaigns to expand Soviet influence. Examples include backing groups like the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, the ANC in South Africa, and the PLO in the Middle East, as well as manipulating political crises in India and Iran. The authors argue that while these efforts initially destabilized Western-aligned governments, overreach and miscalculations contributed to the USSR's eventual decline. The book also highlights the human cost of these interventions, including repression and violence. While praised for its unprecedented insider perspective, some historians critique its reliance on Mitrokhin’s interpretations. Overall, it offers a revealing look at Cold War espionage and geopolitical strategy.