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 Series
Christopher Moran, Mark Phythian, and Mark Stout, Series Editors
Reviews
"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."—Michael Sulick, former director, CIA Clandestine Service
"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."—Andrew Monaghan, Kennan Institute Global Fellow, author of Dealing with the Russian
"Riehl's book will be useful to journalists, academics and national security professionals as the primary primer on the history, structure, organization and leadership of Russia's most important institution."—Association of Former Intelligence Officers
"Kevin Riehle's book makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Russian state by providing a clear and concise description of the history, organization, and current functions of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB)."—The Russian Review
"Riehle...provides an excellent survey of the FSB and how media, activist, and pop culture depictions of the FSB have shaped Russian public opinion."—S. G. Jug
"Riehle's book is a fine start to the series and presents a unique and sober analysis of the service, drawing on the author's years working as a United States government official studying the activities of foreign agencies."—Dan Lomas
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).
