The Myth of Russia Stealing from the USA: An Analysis of Espionage and Technological Exchanges

It is often alleged that Russia has successfully stolen advanced technologies and information from the USA, a narrative that is fueled by a mix of media speculation and historical misconceptions. However, an examination of historical facts and the dynamics of espionage during the Cold War reveals that this narrative is far from accurate.

Historical Context and Industrialization

During the early years of the Soviet Union, the United States played a significant role in industrializing the country. In the 1920s and 1930s, the US provided industrial know-how, technology, and financial support to the USSR, which was primarily financed through gold payments. This relationship was mutually beneficial, and the Soviets paid for the technology and equipment they received, ensuring that the US had little reason to be overly concerned about human rights abuses or other issues.

Military Exchange and Shared Technology

During World War II, the Soviet Union shared their weapon designs with the British and even assisted in the construction of the T-34 tanks. In contrast, the US withheld its own weapon designs, such as those for long-range bombers, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and stealth technology from the Soviets. This strategic decision reflected the US's desire to maintain technological superiority and prevent the Soviets from developing similar capabilities.

Cold War Espionage: A Symmetric Battle

The Cold War period saw a significant amount of espionage activities, with both the US and the Soviet Union engaging in extensive efforts to gather intelligence. However, the dynamics of espionage were not asymmetrical. While it is often easier for dictatorial regimes to infiltrate democratic systems, the Soviet Union and its intelligence agencies, particularly the KGB, were highly sophisticated in their operations. A revealing account of this can be found in Arkady Shevshenko's book, "BREAKING WITH MOSCOW."

The Role of the KGB in UN Diplomacy

Shevshenko, who served as the UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs during the 1970s, was in charge of several Soviet "diplomats." However, these individuals were, in essence, KGB agents. They were tasked with gathering classified information, often by using what could be seen as rather unconventional methods. For instance, they would openly leave large sums of US dollars on their desks, trusting that their respective allies in the US would not find it suspicious.

Acquiring Information Through Subscriptions

Ironically, obtaining classified information did not always require large sums of money. Soviet spies could often find valuable insights in American magazines such as "POPULAR SCIENCE," "POPULAR ELECTRONICS," and "SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN." These publications contained extensive information on technological advancements that were not available in their Soviet counterparts.

The Case of the Atomic Bomb

A common misconception is that the US stole the atomic bomb from the French. In reality, the patent to both the atomic bomb and the atomic reactor were French, and the patent was granted in April 1939. The US' claim to the bomb can be attributed to their significant advancements in the field, supported by the work of scientists and researchers such as Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer.

Concluding Thoughts

The narrative of Russia stealing technology and information from the US is overly simplistic and tends to overlook the reciprocal nature of espionage during the Cold War. While the Soviet Union did engage in espionage, the US was also guilty of similar activities. Historical records and personal accounts, such as those of Arkady Shevshenko, highlight the complexity and symmetry of the espionage efforts of both superpowers. Understanding this historical context is crucial for a more accurate and nuanced perspective on the role of espionage and technology exchange in international relations.