The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service
An introduction to Putin’s formidable intelligence and security organization

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.

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.

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.

Concise Histories of Intelligence SeriesChristopher Moran, Mark Phythian, and Mark Stout, Series Editors

"1144214528"
The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service
An introduction to Putin’s formidable intelligence and security organization

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.

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.

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.

Concise Histories of Intelligence SeriesChristopher Moran, Mark Phythian, and Mark Stout, Series Editors

24.95 In Stock
The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service

The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service

by Kevin P Riehle
The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service

The Russian FSB: A Concise History of the Federal Security Service

by Kevin P Riehle

Paperback

$24.95 
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Overview

An introduction to Putin’s formidable intelligence and security organization

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.

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.

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.

Concise Histories of Intelligence SeriesChristopher Moran, Mark Phythian, and Mark Stout, Series Editors


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781647124090
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Publication date: 03/01/2024
Series: Concise Histories of Intelligence
Pages: 216
Sales rank: 159,203
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.48(d)

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).

What People are Saying About This

Michael Sulick

Presents a very comprehensive overview of Russia's powerful intelligence service based on extensive use of both Western and Russian sources. The author persuasively links the FSB to the traditions of its Soviet and Tsarist predecessors, and the work is a unique handbook for national security professionals and students of Russian government and international affairs.

Andrew Monaghan

Riehle has written an informative and accessible book that sheds much light on one of the most important organizations in Russia. His timely analysis of the FSB's culture and powers is both a useful antidote to speculation and helps us to understand continuity and change in Russian power, helping us to peer ahead to what we might expect in the future.

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