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One Cold War spy has his story retold by journalist Simon Kuper, while the granddaughter of another - Charlotte Philby - writes novels that explore the human side and cost of espionage. Nigel Inkster, former MI6 director of operations and intelligence, looks at the role of spying in present day relations between China and the US, while journalist Margaret Coker explains how old school intelligence gathering without any hi-tech bells and whistles has been reaping rewards in Iraq. Rana Mitter hosts a conversation about spying fact and fiction.

The Happy Traitor: Spies, Lies and Exile in Russia - The Extraordinary Story of George Blake by Simon Kuper is out now.\nCharlotte Philby's most recent novel is A Double Life.\nThe Great Decoupling: China, America and the Struggle for Technological Supremacy by Nigel Inkster is out now.\nMargaret Coker's book Spymaster of Baghdad is out now.\nPenguin Classics is re-issuing Len Deighton's novels.

In our archives you can find Stella Rimington in discussion with Alan Judd https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b048ngpw\nJohn le Carr\xe9 in conversation with Anne McElvoy https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b039q13n\nThe links in the world of French philosophy and spies https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b2mfh3\nAnd a playlist of programmes on War and Conflict https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06kgbyb

Producer: Torquil MacLeod