"During the Cold War, we lived in coded times when it wasn't easy and there were shades of grey and ambiguity"

This quote by John Le Carre is describing the period of time referred to as the Cold War, which lasted from 1947 to 1991. Throughout this time around, the world was divided between 2 superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as their corresponding allies. This duration was defined by a heightened feeling of stress as well as skepticism in between the two sides, and an anxiety of nuclear battle. As a result, people resided in a state of unpredictability as well as uncertainty, as it was challenging to understand who to depend on and what was really going on. This quote is highlighting the truth that during the Cold War, it was hard to understand the globe, as there were numerous tones of grey and ambiguity. Individuals needed to take care with what they claimed and also did, as it might have severe repercussions. This quote is a pointer of the tough times that people needed to withstand throughout the Cold War.