These are the best of times—and worst of times—to be a spy. Western intelligence reports, shared publicly and prominently before Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, did much to complicate the Russian attack. In contrast Russian spies inside Ukraine badly misled their bosses in Moscow by suggesting that Kyiv would crumple without much fuss. Meanwhile, as Russian diplomats have been sent home from many countries, and sleeper agents exposed in some places, the lot of the secret agent has grown far trickier. 

How to understand this shadowy world? Turn, for a start, to our reading list of recommended books on espionage. Our defence editor—who has drawn, no doubt, on recommendations from some well-placed contacts—offers the pick of the bunch. If spies aren’t for you, then consider others in our Economist reads series, such as a guide to books on what it’s like to be in prison, on the lot of women in Japan or the best books to read to understand demography. Big population shifts are under way, as youthful India is poised to overtake ageing China as the most populous country and because Africa’s overall population is surging. You don’t need to be a spy to grasp that big changes are afoot.

Happy reading.