Close Protection - The Politics of Guarding Russia's Rulers

The evolution of elite personal protection units-also known as close protection units-within the former Soviet Union is one of the least examined, yet crucial political developments in this region. Due to the often-violent environment in which the political leaders of this region now operate, the need for these special military units is obvious. This study examines the similarities between these the current units and those of the Soviet past and finds that, in spite of the highly unstable nature of politics in post-communist Russia, these elite units have not intervened to the degree that many might have expected. They have, however, played a significant political role throughout the region.

These close protection forces may very well determine the success or failure of the democratization process now underway. On the other hand, establishing a Praetorian Guard within the very walls of the Kremlin may in itself portend an end to democracy. Ultimately, a complete understanding of future politics in the former Soviet Union is impossible without acknowledging the role that these modern Praetorians play in the civil-military balance.

List of contents

Preface
Universal Soldiers
Red Guards
Protecting the State
The Palace Guards
The Khaki October
The Politics of Protection
The Best of the Rest
The New Praetorians
Appendix: Selected Incidents and Attempts
Selected Bibliography
Index

About the author

DAVID COX was Adjunct Professor of Political Science at The George Washington University./e

Product details

• Authors: David Cox, David J. Cox
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 7 to 17
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.10.2000
• EAN: 9780275966881
• ISBN: 978-0-275-96688-1
• No. of pages: 184
• Weight: 454 g
• Subjects: Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education; Russia, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Law Enforcement, HISTORY / Military / Special Forces, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Human Services, Politics & government, Politics and government, Police & security services, Special & elite forces, Special and elite forces, Police and security services, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Russian & Soviet, Politics, Law, and Government: Comparative Politics