The Kremlin uses organized crime networks to further its interests at home and abroad from "summary" of Putin's People by Catherine Belton
Catherine Belton reveals how the Kremlin has strategically leveraged organized crime networks to advance its agenda both domestically and internationally. These networks operate as an extension of the state, carrying out illicit activities to achieve political goals. By aligning with criminal syndicates, the Kremlin gains access to resources and capabilities that would otherwise be off-limits. This symbiotic relationship allows the Russian government to exert influence beyond traditional channels, using underworld connections to manipulate events and individuals in pursuit of its objectives. At home, the Kremlin relies on organized crime to maintain control and suppress dissent. By partnering with criminal groups, the regime can silence opposition figures, eliminate rivals, and intimidate critics, effectively consolidating power and quashing any challenges to its authority. Through a combination of coercion and collaboration, the Russian government ensures that its grip on society remains tight, using criminal proxies to enforce its will and crush resistance. Abroad, the Kremlin deploys organized crime networks to project power and expand its influence on the global stage. By exploiting criminal enterprises operating overseas, Russian authorities can pursue their interests beyond national borders, engaging in activities such as espionage, cyberattacks, and economic warfare. These illicit operations allow the Kremlin to assert itself in geopolitics, using underworld connections to sow chaos, destabilize adversaries, and further its strategic aims.- Belton's analysis sheds light on the intricate web of relationships between the Kremlin and organized crime, illustrating how these partnerships shape Russia's domestic governance and foreign policy. By understanding the symbiosis between the state and criminal underworld, one can grasp the extent to which illicit networks serve as instruments of power for the Russian government, enabling it to navigate complex challenges and assert its influence in an increasingly interconnected world.
