The LRB Podcast A Conversation with Neal Ascherson
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Jan 1, 2025 Neal Ascherson, a seasoned journalist with six decades of experience, shares riveting stories from his extensive career, including a close call with a historical scoop involving Mikhail Gorbachev. He reflects on the impact of Claud Cockburn's journalism, ethics during brutal conflicts, and the nuances of transitioning from Communism. Ascherson discusses his time in colonial Uganda, the personal complexities of mentorship, and the lively spirit of Poland during its fight for independence. He also critiques the thin line between patriotism and nationalism.
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Post-War Ireland and Pseudonyms
- After WWII, Cockburn moved to Ireland, adopting multiple pseudonyms to continue writing.
- He quietly drifted away from the Communist Party during the 1950s.
Naming the MI5 Head
- Cockburn guest-edited a Private Eye issue on the Profumo affair, naming the MI5 head.
- This act defied secrecy conventions and sparked outrage but ultimately led to more openness.
Ascherson's Medal and Colonial Doubts
- Neal Ascherson, after serving in Malaya, was criticized by his tutor, Eric Hobsbawm, for wearing his campaign medal.
- This incident crystallized Ascherson's growing doubts about the colonial war.
