
Reichs & Republics | The German History Podcast· Folge 14
Episode 14: Erich Mielke and the Origins of the Stasi
Dienstag, 16. Juni 2026 · 53 min
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Shownotes
In this episode, Katja and Chris explore the origins of the Stasi, East Germany’s notorious secret police, and the ruthless mindset of its long-serving chief, Erich Mielke. From Soviet influence and early political repression to mass surveillance and paranoia, they examine how the GDR built one of the most intrusive police states in modern history.
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Host: Katja Hoyer & Dr Christopher Dillon
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