Book Lecture: The Russian FSB

The Institute of World Politics

About the Book ***This lecture is sponsored by the IWP IAFIE Alpha Student Chapter*** Since its founding in 1995, the FSB, Russia’s Federal Security Service, has regained most 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. Here is a link to an earlier book Dr. Riehle wrote for NIU available for free download: Russian Intelligence: A Case-based Study of Russian Services and Missions Past and Present About the Author Dr. Kevin Riehle retired in 2021 from a 30+ year career in the U.S. national security community, with tours in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Counterintelligence Center, U.S. European Command Joint Analysis Center, DoD Counterintelligence Field Activity, Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. He also retired in 2014 as a U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer with the rank of commander. During his career, Riehle focused on analyzing foreign intelligence services and supporting counterintelligence activities to neutralize the threats they pose. He finished his career as an associate professor of strategic intelligence at the National Intelligence University, teaching courses and chairing over 40 master’s theses on intelligence, counterintelligence, and Eurasia-related topics. He also served as the department head for the Collection, Analysis and Counterintelligence Department.