In 1989, capitalism won. Today its greatest ideological challenge is the planet | Larry Elliott

The fall of the iron curtain saw the market dominate. But environmental protection has become a significant rival belief

George Smiley finally gets his man at the end of John le Carri(C)'s Karla trilogy, but is far from jubilant as the Soviet spymaster defects from East to West Berlin. Reminded by a colleague that he has won his cold war battle, Smiley replies: "Did I? Yes. Yes, well, I suppose I did."

Smiley's world-weariness was notable by its absence when the west finally claimed victory in the cold war 30 years ago this week. The Berlin Wall was a symbol of oppression. Its demolition was a euphoric moment.

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