Co-host “The Rest is Classified” podcast. Author: 'The Spy in the Archive', 'Russians Among Us', 'Secret Pigeon Service', 'Intercept/Cyberspies' and 'MI6'
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Gordon Corera
"Il a pris un risque énorme" : un journaliste raconte l'histoire d'un archiviste du KGB qui a levé le voile sur l'espionnage soviétique après l'effondrement de l'URSS
Vassili Mitrokhine a secrètement copié des milliers de documents classifiés durant des décennies. Sa défection, au début des années 1990, a fourni aux services de renseignement occidentaux des archives d'une ampleur inédite sur l'activité du renseignement de l'URSS à travers le monde. Le journaliste britannique Gordon Corera, auteur de "The Spy in the Archive", l'explique dans une interview accordée au média public lituanien LRT. Le bâtiment du KGB, dit Loubianka, à Moscou, le 21 septembre 1964.
How One Man Tried to Kill the KGB
by Gordon Corera New York: Pegasus Books, 2025. Pp. vi, 323. Illus., notes, index. $29.95. ISBN: 979-8-8971-0026-2 The KGB Careerist Who Turned to the West This book begins and ends at the same moment. On Nov. 7, 1992, an odd group of people – several tough-looking thugs, a well-dressed Englishman, an elderly Russian grandmother, a youth in a wheelchair, among others – engaged in a confrontation on the docks of the little Lithuanian port of Klaipeda.
Mission accomplie ? La vantardise de 2003 qui hante le conflit iranien actuel
Mission accomplie ? La vantardise de 2003 qui hante le conflit iranien actuel Lire uniquement le texte pour utiliser moins de données Article Information Author, Gordon Corera Role, Analyste de sécurité il y a 18 minutes Temps de lecture: 13 min Le 9 avril 2003, une statue du dirigeant irakien Saddam Hussein fut déboulonnée au centre de Bagdad. La plaque métallique à sa base fut arrachée et le socle de marbre attaqué à coups de masse.
Missão cumprida? A bravata de 2003 que assombra os EUA na guerra com o Irã
Em 9 de abril de 2003, uma estátua do líder do Iraque, Saddam Hussein, foi derrubada no centro de Bagdá. A placa de metal na base da estátua foi arrancada e o pedestal de mármore foi atacado com uma marreta. Civis iraquianos inicialmente tentaram derrubá-la, escalando a estátua para colocar uma corda em seu pescoço, mas não conseguiram desmontá-la. Foi necessária a ajuda de tropas americanas usando um veículo blindado para finalmente derrubá-la. Foi um momento que simbolizou a mudança de regime.
Missão cumprida? A bravata de 2003 que assombra os EUA na guerra com o Irã
Tropas americanas entraram no centro de Bagdá, no Iraque, e derrubaram a estátua de Saddam Hussein em 9 de abril de 2003 Em 9 de abril de 2003, uma estátua do líder do Iraque, Saddam Hussein, foi derrubada no centro de Bagdá. A placa de metal na base da estátua foi arrancada e o pedestal de mármore foi atacado com uma marreta. Civis iraquianos inicialmente tentaram derrubá-la, escalando a estátua para colocar uma corda em seu pescoço, mas não conseguiram desmontá-la.
Missão cumprida? A bravata de 2003 que assombra os EUA na guerra com o Irã
Crédito, Gilles BASSIGNAC/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Legenda da foto, Tropas americanas entraram no centro de Bagdá, no Iraque, e derrubaram a estátua de Saddam Hussein em 9 de abril de 2003 Article Information Author, Gordon Corera Role, Analista de Segurança Há 5 minutos Tempo de leitura: 12 min Em 9 de abril de 2003, uma estátua do líder do Iraque, Saddam Hussein, foi derrubada no centro de Bagdá.
Mission accomplished? The 2003 boast that haunts today's Iran conflict
[BBC] On 9 April 2003 a statue of the leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was pulled down in the centre of Baghdad. The metal plaque at the base of the statue was torn off and the statue's marble plinth attacked with a sledgehammer. Iraqi civilians initially tried to pull it down, scaling the statue to secure a noose around its neck, but were unable to dismantle it. It took help from American troops using an armoured vehicle to finally topple it. It was a moment that symbolised regime change.
Ni mpango gani ulikuwa nyuma ya mkakati wa kuondoa uongozi wa Iran?
Usomaji maandishi tu kupunguza gharama za data Chanzo cha picha, EPA Maelezo kuhusu taarifa Author, Gordon Corera Nafasi, Mchambuzi wa masuala ya usalama BBC Dakika 14 zilizopita Muda wa kusoma: Dakika 4 Marekani na Israel waesema wana uwezo mkubwa wa zana za kivita za angani ambao unawawezesha kushambulia shabaha zao ndani Iran wapendavyo. Pia wameonyesha uweledi wao wa kijasusi, ambao umewawezesha kuwaangamiza viongozi kwakuu wengi wa Iran. Lakini kuna mkakati gani nyuma ya hili?
O que está por trás da estratégia para derrubar a liderança do Irã?
O analista de segurança da BBC, Gordon Corera, examina o que provavelmente acontecerá após a morte de grande parte da cúpula da liderança iraniana. Os Estados Unidos e Israel afirmaram ter superioridade aérea sobre partes do Irã, permitindo que seus caças fiquem livres para atacar alvos. Eles também demonstraram superioridade em inteligência, o que os permitiu localizar e matar diversos líderes iranianos. Mas qual é a estratégia por trás disso? Uma das explicações é o objetivo de gerar confusão.
O que está por trás da estratégia para derrubar a liderança do Irã?
Os Estados Unidos e Israel afirmaram ter superioridade aérea sobre partes do Irã, permitindo que seus caças fiquem livres para atacar alvos. Eles também demonstraram superioridade em inteligência, o que os permitiu localizar e matar diversos líderes iranianos. Siga o canal do Correio no WhatsApp e receba as principais notícias do dia no seu celular Mas qual é a estratégia por trás disso? Uma das explicações é o objetivo de gerar confusão.
O que está por trás da estratégia para derrubar a liderança do Irã?
Crédito, EPA Article Information Author, Gordon Corera Role, Analista de segurança da BBC Há 6 minutos Tempo de leitura: 4 min Os Estados Unidos e Israel afirmaram ter superioridade aérea sobre partes do Irã, permitindo que seus caças fiquem livres para atacar alvos. Eles também demonstraram superioridade em inteligência, o que os permitiu localizar e matar diversos líderes iranianos. Mas qual é a estratégia por trás disso? Uma das explicações é o objetivo de gerar confusão.
O que está por trás da estratégia de derrubar a liderança do Irã?
Fumaça saindo atrás de prédios após uma explosão no segundo dia consecutivo de ataques dos EUA e de Israel, em Teerã. Os Estados Unidos e Israel afirmaram ter superioridade aérea sobre partes do Irã, permitindo que seus caças fiquem livres para atacar alvos. Eles também demonstraram superioridade em inteligência, o que os permitiu localizar e matar diversos líderes iranianos. Mas qual é a estratégia por trás disso? Uma das explicações é o objetivo de gerar confusão.
O que está por trás da estratégia para derrubar a liderança do Irã?
Fumaça saindo atrás de prédios após uma explosão no segundo dia consecutivo de ataques dos EUA e de Israel, em Teerã. Os Estados Unidos e Israel afirmaram ter superioridade aérea sobre partes do Irã, permitindo que seus caças fiquem livres para atacar alvos. Eles também demonstraram superioridade em inteligência, o que os permitiu localizar e matar diversos líderes iranianos. Mas qual é a estratégia por trás disso? Uma das explicações é o objetivo de gerar confusão.
What is behind the strategy to take out Iran's leadership?
[EPA] The US and Israel have said they have air superiority over parts of Iran, allowing their jets to strike targets at will. They have also displayed a kind of intelligence superiority, a dominance which has allowed them to find and kill multiple Iranian leaders. But what is the strategy behind this? One answer is a focus on causing confusion.
Meses de planejamento e decisão em cima da hora: os bastidores do ataq
O ataque que matou o líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, não ocorreu no meio da noite, como se poderia esperar, mas no meio da manhã. Isso aconteceu porque os Estados Unidos e Israel decidiram aproveitar uma informação crucial que havia chegado horas antes. Durante meses, eles estavam à espera de uma oportunidade em que figuras importantes do Irã pudessem estar reunidas e descobriram que Khamenei estaria em um complexo no centro de Teerã na manhã de sábado.
Qué se sabe del operativo de EE.UU. e Israel con el que localizaron y mataron al líder supremo de Irán, Alí Jamenei Original
Fuente de la imagen, Getty Images Pie de foto, El ayatolá Alí Jamenei tenía 86 años y llevaba casi 40 como líder supremo de Irán. Información del artículo Autor, Gordon Corera Título del autor, Analista de Seguridad de BBC News 2 marzo 2026, 03:29 GMT Actualizado 4 minutos Tiempo de lectura: 5 min El ataque que mató al líder supremo de Irán no ocurrió en plena noche, como podría haberse esperado, sino a media mañana.
Meses de planejamento e decisão em cima da hora: os bastidores do ataque que matou o líder do Irã, Ali Khamenei
O ataque que matou o líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, não ocorreu no meio da noite, como se poderia esperar, mas no meio da manhã. Isso aconteceu porque os Estados Unidos e Israel decidiram aproveitar uma informação crucial que havia chegado horas antes.
Meses de planejamento e decisão em cima da hora: os bastidores do ataque dos EUA e Israel contra o Irã
Crédito, Getty Images Legenda da foto, Retrato do líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, é exibido ao lado de bandeiras iranianas, velas e um livro de condolências em uma mesquita na Cidade do Cabo Article Information Author, Gordon Corera Role, Da BBC News Há 9 minutos Tempo de leitura: 5 min O ataque que matou o líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, não ocorreu no meio da noite, como se poderia esperar, mas no meio da manhã.
Meses de planejamento e decisão em cima da hora: os bastidores do ataque que matou o líder do Irã, Ali Khamenei
Uma informação crucial chegou poucas horas antes da ofensiva contra um complexo no centro de Teerã onde estava seu líder supremo, Ali Khamenei, que acabou morto. Retrato do líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, é exibido ao lado de bandeiras iranianas, velas e um livro de condolências em uma mesquita na Cidade do Cabo O ataque que matou o líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, não ocorreu no meio da noite, como se poderia esperar, mas no meio da manhã.
Meses de planejamento e decisão em cima da hora: os bastidores do ataque que matou o líder do Irã, Ali Khamenei
Retrato do líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, é exibido ao lado de bandeiras iranianas, velas e um livro de condolências em uma mesquita na Cidade do Cabo O ataque que matou o líder supremo do Irã, o aiatolá Ali Khamenei, não ocorreu no meio da noite, como se poderia esperar, mas no meio da manhã. Isso aconteceu porque os Estados Unidos e Israel decidiram aproveitar uma informação crucial que havia chegado horas antes.
The months-long, US-Israeli mission to find and kill Iran's Supreme Leader
[Getty Images] The attack that killed Iran's Supreme Leader came not in the middle of the night, as might have been expected, but in the middle of the morning. That was because the US and Israel decided to take advantage of a piece of crucial intelligence that had arrived hours before.
5 New Books We Love This Week
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Every week, the critics and editors at the New York Times Book Review pick the most interesting and notable new releases, from literary fiction and serious nonfiction to thrillers, romance novels, mysteries and everything in between. You can save the books you’re most excited to read on a personal reading list, and find even more recommendations from our book experts.
The KGB Librarian Who Smuggled Soviet Secrets into the West
British Embassy, Vilnius, March 1992 Article continues after advertisement The receptionist, a young Lithuanian woman, opened the British Embassy’s door. A grubby, lean old man, unshaven and poorly dressed, was standing in front of her. He wanted to see a member of diplomatic staff. He had important information. Please wait in the reception area, she said. She motioned to a space on the left of the entrance where some chairs had been placed. The old man glanced at the newly bought furniture and rugs.
25 New Books to Read in January: George Saunders, Jennette McCurdy, Karl Ove Knausgaard and More
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Credit...The New York Times Supported by SKIP ADVERTISEMENT Image The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave Owen is back! Five years after his disappearance activated the smash page-turner “The Last Thing He Told Me,” the tech exec with a shady past makes contact with his wife, Hannah, and her stepdaughter, Bailey.
The evolving world of MI6
When the new head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, gave her first speech in December, there was a detail that was not captured by TV cameras, but one that those in the room could spot. She was speaking in the Chief’s private dining room with a panorama across the Thames but behind her on the wall was a picture of her predecessor, the first person known by the initial C, Mansfield Cumming. The contrast could not have been starker. Cumming was pictured in full naval uniform, sporting a monocle.
Otrucie Skripala: czy brytyjski wywiad wyciągnął wnioski?
Poszukiwanie dowodów na miejscu zamachu w Salisbury Wiadomość, że Siergieja Skripala zaatakowano na terenie Wielkiej Brytanii, wstrząsnęła brytyjskim wywiadem. Postawiła też przed nim ważne, lecz trudne pytania. Na część z nich odpowiada najnowszy raport, który stwierdza, że rosyjski prezydent Władimir Putin ponosi "moralną odpowiedzialność" za śmierć Brytyjki Dawn Sturgess.
The Skripal poisonings - have British spies learned the lessons?
When the call came in to the duty officer at MI6 headquarters on the evening of 4 March 2018, it was met with surprise and alarm. One of their agents was lying in a hospital bed, apparently poisoned. The realisation that Sergei Skripal had been targeted within the UK sent shockwaves through the world of British spies and raised important but difficult questions, some of which have been answered by this latest report. But have all the lessons been learnt?
How China really spies on the UK
By Gordon Corera • Oct 30, 2025 It is a question that successive governments have struggled with: what kind of threat does China really pose to the UK? Trying to answer it may have contributed to the high-profile collapse of the case in which two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, were accused of spying for China and charged under the Official Secrets Act. Both deny wrongdoing – but when charges were dropped last month, it sparked political outcry.
How China really spies on the UK
[BBC] It is a question that successive governments have struggled with: what kind of threat does China really pose to the UK? Trying to answer it may have contributed to the high-profile collapse of the case in which two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, were accused of spying for China and charged under the Official Secrets Act. Both deny wrongdoing - but when charges were dropped last month, it sparked political outcry.
The Spy in the Archive: How One Man Tried to Kill the KGB
Corera, a former security correspondent for the BBC, tells the enthralling story of Vasili Mitrokhin, an unsuccessful Soviet spy whom the KGB demoted in 1956 to the role of archivist. Laboring in the security agency’s records, Mitrokhin became obsessed with exposing the crimes of the Soviet regime. From the early 1970s until his retirement in 1984, he covertly copied top-secret documents by hand on tiny slips of paper, smuggling them out tucked inside his shoes.
Putin, the once and future Chekist
Britain’s Cabinet Office Briefing Room is one of the most sensitive sites in government, a place where ministers, spies and top officials gather to handle emergencies. In October 2005 it hosted its first foreign leader as a visitor. That leader was Russian President Vladimir Putin. It seems extraordinary now but this was a time when the UK government was still actively courting the Russian leader as a figure who could bring stability to Russia and predictability to its relations with the West.
The struggle for control of the Arctic is accelerating - and riskier than ever
Tensions are growing at the top of the world. US President Donald Trump wants Greenland, Russia is modernising its Arctic military bases, Chinese icebreakers are opening new routes and spies are being unmasked. But as the battle for one of the world’s coldest places heats up, an increasingly fragile security balance may be breaking down, leading to an escalating arms race. To grasp why the Arctic matters to these superpowers, you need to look at the world differently – literally.
The struggle for control of the Arctic is accelerating - and riskier than ever
President Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to control Greenland. “We need Greenland for national security purposes,” he has said. “I've been told that for a long time.” The question of why a territory with only 56,000 or so people matters comes down to geography. In the Cold War between the US and Soviet Union, nuclear weapons were the ultimate instruments of war, holding the balance of terror. And the fastest route for weapons to reach their targets was over the North Pole.
อิหร่าน-อิสราเอล: ข่าวกรองสหรัฐฯ ที่รั่วไหล บอกอะไรเกี่ยวกับฐานนิวเคลียร์อิหร่านที่ถูกโจมตี
แค่เสียหายหรือถูกทำลายสิ้นซาก ข้อมูลรั่วของสหรัฐฯ บอกอะไรเกี่ยวกับฐานนิวเคลียร์อิหร่านที่ถูกโจมตี ที่มาของภาพ, Maxar Technologies/Reuters Article Information Author, กอร์ดอน คอเรรา Role, นักวิเคราะห์ด้านความมั่นคง เมื่อกล่าวถึงฐานนิวเคลียร์ฟอร์โดว์ของอิหร่าน นี่อาจจะเป็นสถานที่ที่ถูกสอดแนมมากที่สุดในโลกในขณะนี้ หน่วยข่าวกรองของชาติตะวันตกเคยเดินทางไปอย่างเปิดเผยในปี 2009 และพบว่าเป็นที่ตั้งของโรงงานนิวเคลียร์ลับแห่งหนึ่ง การทำความเข้าใจถึงความเสียหายที่เกิดจากการโจมตีของสหรัฐฯ...
آسیبدیده یا نابود شده؛ گزارش افشا شده آمریکا درباره مراکز هستهای ایران چه اطلاعاتی به ما میدهد؟
آسیب دیده یا نابود شده؛ گزارش افشا شده آمریکا درباره مراکز هستهای ایران چه اطلاعاتی به ما میدهد؟ منبع تصویر، Maxar Technologies/Reuters اطلاعات مقاله نویسنده, گوردون کوررا شغل, تحلیلگر امنیتی سایت فردو شاید یکی از تحت نظرترین مکانهای جهان باشد. در سال ۲۰۰۹، برای نخستین بار، منابع اطلاعاتی غرب اعلام کردند که این مکان محل یک تأسیسات مخفی هستهای است. اکنون، درک میزان آسیبی که حملات آمریکا وارد کردهاند، برای مشخصکردن مسیر آتی درگیری، اهمیتی کلیدی دارد.
Koliku štetu je pretrpeo iranski nuklearni program
Koliku štetu je pretrpeo iranski nuklearni program Autor fotografije, Maxar Technologies/Reuters Potpis ispod fotografije, Satelitski snimak oštećenja na Fordovu 24. junaPodaci o članku Autor, Gordon Korera Funkcija, dopisnik za bezbednost Lokacija Fordov je verovatno najšpijuniranije mesto na planeti. Zapadne obaveštajne službe su prvi put javno objavile 2009.
The Spy in the Archive: How one man tried to kill the KGB
The compulsively readable new book from The Rest is Classified host Gordon Corera. About how one man – Vasili Mitrokhin – turned first disaffected dissident and then traitor to the KGB, stealing the most secret Soviet archives and smuggling them to the West. How do you steal a library? Not just any library but the most secret, heavily guarded archive in the world. The answer is to be a librarian. To be so quiet, that no-one knows what you are up to as you toil undercover and deep amongst the files.
The Illegals: Shaun Walker in Conversation with Gordon Corera
Join us for an evening with international correspondent for the Guardian and author Shaun Walker, introducing his newest book The Illegals: Russia's Most Audacious Spies and the Plot to Infiltrate the West. In 2010, two decades after the Cold War had ended, ten Russian spies were arrested in America, having hidden their true identities from their friends, neighbours and even their children.
World order 'under threat not seen since Cold War'
Gordon Corera - Security correspondent and Jemma Crew - BBC News September 7, 2024 at 7:55 AM·3 min read The international world order is “under threat in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War”, the heads of the UK and US foreign intelligence services have warned. The chiefs of MI6 and the CIA also said both countries stand together in "resisting an assertive Russia and Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine".
Heads of CIA and MI6 say world order 'under threat not seen since Cold War'
Now London CNN — The heads of the United States’ CIA and the UK’s foreign intelligence service, known as MI6, spoke at length about the key security issues plaguing the world in an unprecedented joint public appearance in London on Saturday, in a wide-ranging discussion that covered Russian aggression, …
What to know about US election hacking, Iran and other countries
August 16, 2024 at 9:24 PM The Trump campaign recently said it had been hacked by Iran [Reuters] The recent claim by Donald Trump's campaign that they were hacked by Iran is one sign that foreign interference may become a prominent issue in this year's US election. The election result will have major implications around the world, meaning many countries have an incentive to try and interfere to either support a particular candidate or just to destabilise America.
Who’s trying to disrupt the US election, and what do they want?
Continue reading More for You
Which countries are trying to disrupt the US election?
By signing up for our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies.
Which countries are trying to disrupt the US election?
Gordon Corera - Security correspondent August 16, 2024 at 1:56 PM·5 min read The recent claim by Donald Trump's campaign that they were hacked by Iran is one sign that foreign interference may become a prominent issue in this year's US election. The election result will have major implications around the world, meaning many countries have an incentive to try and interfere to either support a particular candidate or just to destabilise America.
North Korea hackers trying to steal nuclear secrets, US and UK warn
July 25, 2024 at 3:44 PM [Bill Hinton] North Korean hackers are attempting to steal nuclear and military secrets from governments and private companies around the world, the UK, US and South Korea have warned. They say the group - known by the names Andariel and Onyx Sleet - is targeting defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering entities to obtain classified information, with the aim of advancing Pyongyang’s military and nuclear programs and ambitions.
North Korea hackers trying to steal nuclear secrets, US and UK warn
Gordon Corera - Security correspondent July 25, 2024 at 1:13 PM·2 min read North Korean hackers are attempting to steal nuclear and military secrets from governments and private companies around the world, the UK, US and South Korea have warned. They say the group - known by the names Andariel and Onyx Sleet - is targeting defence, aerospace, nuclear and engineering entities to obtain classified information, with the aim of advancing Pyongyang’s military and nuclear programs and ambitions.
'Ataques à carne': a estratégia brutal da Rússia para ganhar terreno na guerra da Ucrânia
Soldados ucranianos no front de batalha utilizam um termo bastante gráfico para descrever as táticas russas que enfrentam todos os dias: eles chamam de "ataques à carne". Tratam-se de grupos de soldados russos atacando suas posições de defesa, às vezes dez vezes por dia. O tenente-coronel Anton Bayev, da Brigada Khartia da Guarda Nacional Ucraniana, diz que em apenas algumas horas chegam diversos grupos de soldados russos às posições de linha de frente ucraniana no norte de Kharkiv.
Anxiety at Aspen over Ukraine and Trump
Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Aspen forum clouded with anxiety over Ukraine and Trump Original
Anxiety at Aspen over Ukraine and Trump By Gordon Corera, BBC News Aspen Security Forum America’s national security community made its annual pilgrimage to the mountains of Aspen in Colorado this week for a gathering notable for a looming feeling of anxiety. One reason is that the world is more dangerous and contested than in previous years with war in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as tensions in Asia.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Gordon
Contact Gordon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack