During my time in Berlin, I focused on advancing both my archival work and my language skills. The main objective of my visit was not only to complete my archival work, but also to further refine my research focus by identifying the specific psychological theories highlighted in the Stasi training materials. I made considerable progress toward this goal. In particular, I identified specific references within the archival documents that led to the discovery of Soviet psychological theories underpinning the teachings at the JHS (Die Juristische Hochschule des MfS). This led to further discovery of additional relevant documents in archives in Bulgaria and the United States. These findings will contribute directly to my ongoing research and will form an important component of my thesis.

In addition to my research work, I took advantage of valuable opportunities to connect with other scholars. During my time in Germany, I attended the International Intelligence History Association Annual Conference, a workshop at Humboldt University, the Berlin Security Conference and numerous other discussions and seminars. These events provided opportunities for meaningful engagement with colleagues and other researchers and were especially beneficial in helping me to refine my research questions and exposed me to new perspectives and approaches within the field.

I also attended the GLS language school for five weeks, which significantly enhanced both my proficiency and, most importantly, my confidence in using German. This course also prepared me for the B2 language examination, which I will take this spring. The course was well structured and emphasized not only practical communication skills, but also academic reading and writing. However, the most valuable aspect of the course, was the immersive learning environment. I was exposed to a wide range of dialects and German language backgrounds, including Swiss, Austrian, and Bavarian variations. This exposure proved invaluable, as I would otherwise normally engage with only a single dialect. It helped train my ear to navigate these variations more effectively. This was particularly important given that the documents that I usually work with, often have a specific tone and dialect. This experience has already had a positive impact on my ability to participate in seminars and discussions and, most importantly, on my academic reading and writing.

Overall, the combination of the archival research and language training was extremely valuable, both academically and personally, and it has contributed positively to my development as a researcher. I am extremely grateful for the support provided by the GHS in making this trip possible.

Kayla Berg is a PhD researcher in the Department of War Studies, at KCL on the Fulbright King’s College London Award. She has completed a MA in International Relations with a concentration in Global Security at American University and holds a BA in Psychology. Her general research interests focus on the intersection between psychology and intelligence. Her PhD research will examine how the GDR Ministry for State Security used psychology in the collection of personal information of adversaries during the Cold War and how that relates to contemporary concerns in intelligence.