Event to Discuss Markus Wolf's Cold War Memoir 'The Troika'

On September 15, 2026, the Hoover Institution Library & Archives will collaborate with the International Spy Museum to present a hybrid event centered on 'The Troika,' a memoir by Markus Wolf, a prominent East German spymaster. The event will take place at 6:30 PM ET at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

Originally published in 1989, 'The Troika: A Story of Three Families, Friendship, and the Cold War' explores the lives of three boys from Communist families—two from Germany and one from the United States—who form strong bonds while growing up in Moscow during the tumultuous period of Stalin’s Great Terror in the 1930s. As World War II unfolds, their paths diverge across the globe, challenging the principles they were raised with.

This event marks the first English publication of Wolf's memoir, prompting a discussion about its themes and Wolf's intentions. The conversation will feature insights from Dr. Christian F. Ostermann, a research professor at the University of Maryland and executive director of the National Cold War Center, and Dr. Katharina Friedla, the Taube Family Curator for European Collections at the Hoover Institution Library & Archives. Dr. Hope M. Harrison, a professor of history and international affairs at The George Washington University, will provide context on German intelligence during the Cold War and the division of Germany. Dr. Mark Jacobson, a historian at the International Spy Museum, will moderate the discussion, offering a glimpse into Wolf's experiences and the complex ideologies of the 20th century.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase and have their copies of 'The Troika' signed at the event. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for those attending in person, making it an accessible event for anyone interested in Cold War history and espionage.