Ordinary People

In WW 2 and the Cold War many ordinary U.K. and U.S. citizens were approached to become spies for the Soviet Union. The individuals who said yes did so because of unusual circumstances and/or psychological profiles.

Would you be susceptible to becoming a spy for a foreign adversary? Chris Smith of Coventry University, says you may be motivated if you are in serious debt, can be easily blackmailed, if your beliefs are not in line with your country’s and/or you wish to secretly manipulate people.

Also, from my research, to be involved in espionage – coerced or not, takes courage, independence, adventuresomeness and an ability to carry a double identity that is, stealing oneself at work and on the home front. Historically we know that ordinary citizens turned foreign spies have made millions and escaped treasonous charges while others end up serving decades in prison.