Over the course of its existence, the German Democratic Republic's Ministry of State Security (MfS), generally known as the Stasi, operated in over 25 countries of what was then often described as the ‘Third World’. Its first mission abroad was in Zanzibar in 1964 and it continued its foreign activities until the GDR's demise in 1989. The Stasi offered support to communist and pro-communist regimes across the world, helping them to develop secret service agencies by providing intelligence and military training, as well as supplying funds, weapons and technology. The Stasi also cooperated with the existing intelligence agencies of several ‘Third World’ states, sharing information with them and organising joint operations. It also monitored and applied pressure on GDR citizens who worked abroad.
By providing support to these countries, the GDR saw a chance to win the clash of systems in the Cold War. The broader geographical approach will provide further insight into the GDR’s global network. The study will present three case studies, hereby comparing Stasi activities in different countries and at different times: Zanzibar (1960s), Mozambique (1970s) and Nicaragua (1980s).
This study will not only present an overview of the links between intelligence agencies and socialist movements and national states, but also provide an insight into the GDR's political interests. The analysis will pinpoint which goals were pursued by the state security apparatus. I will investigate whether the Stasi acted on the orders of the Central Committee, pursued separate interests or even served as an associate of the Soviet Committee for State Security (KGB).
