Russian Espionage and Intelligence Tradecraft, Hybrid War, and Dirty Tricks

Description

Imagine sitting across from Russian intelligence officers, trying to guess what they’ll do next. Sean M. Wiswesser has been in just that position. As a member of the CIA’s expert cadre in the Directorate of Operations, Wiswesser worked closely with the US intelligence community and foreign allies to recruit Russian spies and then work to counter their services, giving him a unique perspective on the Russian Intelligence Services’ (RIS) global reach. With his new book Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin’s Secret War Wiswesser takes readers deep into the heart of Maskirovka—the Russian art of denial, deception, and manipulation. In this program, Spy Museum Historian, Dr. Mark R. Jacobson interviews Wiswesser about the shadowy world of Russian espionage from “street work,” honeytraps, and assassinations, to the RIS’ roles in the Russo-Ukraine War. They discuss both historical examples and firsthand accounts of the tactics employed by the three main services of Russia’s intelligence apparatus: the SVR, GRU, and FSB. This presentation was recorded live at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, on April 30, 2026. Spy Museum's upcoming programs: https://www.spymuseum.org/calendar/ Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntlSpyMuseum Twitter: https://twitter.com/intlspymuseum​​​​​​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spymuseum SpyCast: https://www.spymuseum.org/podcast/ The Spy Museum does not endorse, approve, or support the opinions stated by guest speakers. Statements made by speakers do not represent the position or opinion of the International Spy Museum.