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In this thought-provoking conversation, host Joe Steagall welcomes Suzanne Parry, a former U.S. arms control negotiator who helped shape the Gorbachev-era disarmament talks and now writes historical fiction that feels more relevant than ever.

Drawing on her novel The Communist’s Secret, Suzanne explores how Cold War ideology, misinformation, and power struggles echo through today’s headlines — from Russia’s war in Ukraine to Iran and Israel’s tense standoff.

Listeners will learn:

• Why the Cold War never really ended — it just evolved
• How authoritarian governments weaponize truth and media
• What Suzanne’s firsthand experience at the Pentagon taught her about negotiating with the enemy
• How fiction can preserve truth when facts are politicized

Whether you’re a history buff, policy junkie, or just someone trying to understand our world, this episode is for you.

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