Free trade and being able to travel is a net benefit. For free trade you need consistent rules between countries. But you don't need heavy handed social media censorship.
This was a fascinating read. It covers various CIA shenanigans against the Soviet Union, mainly their support for Solidarity in Poland and the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. It was written long before 9/11 when the long term effects showed up.
But for the audience here, the most interesting tidbit is how they spread misleading technical documentation to delay the gas pipelines to Europe (and generally sabotage the economy).