The Illegals

• Department of History

The Interwar Histories Working group hosts a book presentation and discussion with the book’s author, Shaun Walker, a renowned journalist at The Guardian.

In this exciting work, Walker traces the secret world of Russia’s deep-cover operatives—known as "illegals"—from the Bolshevik era to Putin’s modern-day intelligence apparatus. Based on extensive archival research and firsthand interviews, The Illegals reveals the extraordinary lengths to which Soviet and Russian spies have gone to embed themselves in Western societies, influencing politics, military strategy, international affairs, and global security.

Shaun Walker is an award-winning international correspondent for The Guardian, known for his in-depth coverage of Russia and Ukraine. He spent over a decade reporting from Moscow and authored The Long Hangover: Putin’s New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past. Walker is also a sought-after commentator, appearing on NPR’s Fresh Air and other media platforms. 

The event is open to all members of the EUI community and beyond. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.