Grey Dynamics

DIA Counterintelligence Officer and Scholar on the FSB with Kevin P. Riehle - Episode 47

6 snips
Mar 15, 2024
Guest
Kevin P. Riehle
Retired DIA officer and scholar Kevin Riehle dives into the history and functions of the Russian FSB, discussing its evolution under Putin. The podcast also covers topics like Ukrainian Orthodox Church independence, counterintelligence, effective communication skills in intelligence analysis, and personal anecdotes of a KGB-CIA trained officer.
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INSIGHT

FSB's Broad Reach

  • The FSB's responsibilities exceed any single US or UK agency, encompassing law enforcement, intelligence, and homeland security functions.
  • It combines roles similar to the FBI, MI5, NSA, GCHQ, and even elements of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.
INSIGHT

FSB in a Democracy?

  • The FSB's power concentration, unlikely in democracies due to concerns over excessive agency power, prioritizes regime security.
  • This efficiency comes at the cost of democratic checks and balances.
INSIGHT

SMERSH: Propaganda Play

  • The revival of "SMERSH" is primarily a propaganda tool evoking WWII imagery.
  • It leverages historical narratives to justify actions in Ukraine but doesn't operationally change existing military counterintelligence.
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