In Moscow's Shadows

In Moscow's Shadows 111: A Nervous Kremlin and a Neglected Police Force

Aug 20, 2023

The podcast discusses the nervousness of the Kremlin, cracking down on critics and struggling to win society's loyalty. It also explores the neglect and abuse of the Russian police force and the potential consequences for the Kremlin. Additionally, the podcast delves into political developments, public opinion on the war, and challenges faced by the police force, including power struggles and operational limitations. It questions the loyalty and potential actions of the police force during a crisis in Russia.

58:25

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Kremlin's increasing crackdown on critics reflects its fear of opposition figures and potential political alliances against the government.

The upcoming gubernatorial elections in Hakassia highlight the significance of local struggles in shaping wider political dynamics in Russia.

The neglect of the Russian police force, prioritization of public order forces, and resource shortages have resulted in operational difficulties, corruption, and a shortage of personnel, emphasizing the need for a well-supported and functioning police force.

Deep dives

Concerns about the Kremlin's Worries

The podcast episode discusses signs that the Kremlin is increasingly worried about the situation in Russia. These signs include the transfer of special forces unit Grom to the National Guard, the recent sentencing of Alexei Navalny to another 19 years in prison, and the closure of institutions monitoring elections and crackdown on opposition figures. The Kremlin's actions reflect its fear of figures like Navalny and potential political alliances against the government. The increasing pressure on opposition forces and restrictions on media highlight the regime's disregard for international perception. The discussion reveals that the Kremlin's worries stem from a fragile grip on power and a recognition of the potential for internal and societal unrest.

Introduction

5min

Political Developments in Russia

16min

Public Opinion on the War and the Kremlin's Concerns

5min

The Neglected and Abused Police Force in Russia

6min

Challenges and Power Struggles: The State of the Police Force in Russia

24min

The Loyalty and Potential Actions of the Police Force in Russia

2min

Marking the anniversary of the second day of the 1991 August Coup, the day when momentum began to shift away from the hardliners behind the seizure of power, a look at how the Putin regime - the spiritual descendant of those same plotters - is getting jumpy, cracking down on critics left and right and unable to win the loyalty of society.

An aspect of this, which I explore in the second part, is how a Russian policeman's lot is not a happy one, and not only is Russia not the massively-heavily policed society that is often claimed, but that the expansion of the public order forces at the expense of the regular police is something that may come back to bite the Kremlin.

The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.

You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials right here.

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