The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service (Concise Histories of Intelligence) - Softcover

Riehle, Kevin P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1647124093 ISBN 13: 9781647124090

Publisher: Georgetown University Press, 2024

Synopsis

<P>An introduction to Putin's formidable intelligence and security organization</P><P>Since its founding in 1995, the FSB, Russia's Federal Security Service, has regained the majority of the domestic security functions of the Soviet-era KGB. Under Vladimir Putin, who served as FSB director just before becoming president, the agency has grown to be one of the most powerful and favored organizations in Russia. The FSB not only conducts internal security but also has primacy in intelligence operations in former Soviet states. Their activities include anti-dissident operations at home and abroad, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, criminal investigations of crimes against the state, and guarding Russia's borders.</P><P>In The Russian FSB, Kevin P. Riehle provides a brief history of the FSB's origins, placed within the context of Russian history, the government's power structure, and Russia's wider culture. He describes how the FSB's mindset and priorities show continuities from the tsarist regimes and the Soviet era. The book's chapters analyze origins, organizational structure, missions, leaders, international partners, and cultural representations such as the FSB in film and television. </P><P>Based on both English and Russian sources, this book is a well-researched introduction to understanding the FSB and its central role in Putin's Russia.</P><P>Concise Histories of Intelligence SeriesChristopher Moran, Mark Phythian, and Mark Stout, Series Editors</P>

About this title

About the Author

Kevin P. Riehle is lecturer in intelligence and security studies at Brunel University London. He also spent over 30 years in the US government as a counterintelligence analyst. He is the author of two previous books, including Soviet Defectors: Revelations of Renegade Intelligence Officers, 1924-1954 (2020).

Edition details

• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Publication date: 2024
• ISBN 10: 1647124093
• ISBN 13: 9781647124090
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 210