Spy Swaps and Power Plays

In this episode of The Dark State, host John Mooney is joined by intelligence expert Kevin Riehle from Brunel University to dissect the recent prisoner swaps between Russia and Western nations, including the U.S. and Germany. These exchanges, involving hostages and convicted criminals, are more than mere trades—they are strategic moves in an escalating geopolitical chess game. Together, they explore the historical context, the risks and benefits, and the implications for international relations. Tune in as we uncover the hidden strategies, secret negotiations, and the real impact of these high-stakes exchanges on global power dynamics.