RUSSIA: Rise of the rosgvardia

​abstract

​For the past several years, Russia has been imposing itself on the main stage in many different ways. From the invasion of Ukraine to election meddling during the 2016 election, Russia is looking to reverse back the past 2 decades and instead return to a time where it commanded the worlds respect. While its exploits have been publicized across the world, there is a shroud of secrecy over the kleptocratic states internal matters. A Game of Thrones esc power structure filled with corruption, politicians, gangsters and warlords ensures even the most benign actions can reveal much about this shadowy nation. So what can the establishment of a National Guards tell us about Russia’s internal politics? Turns out……a lot.

The rosgvardia

​Its probably best to understand a little bit about this newly formed organisation. The Rosgvardia, also known as the National Guard is a internal military force within Russia. Its main duties revolve around secure borders, take charge of gun control, combat terrorism, organized crime, protect public order and guard important state facilities. Formed in 2016 by presidential decree by Putin, it stands 340,000 strong and reports directly to him. However, perhaps the most interesting thing about this organisation, is its director.

Zolotov

To understand how Zolotov achieved such a high status, its perhaps best to understand his relationship to Putin .Victor Zolotov is the prime of example of “it’s who you know”. Long before he was Director of the Rosgvardia, he was a simple bodyguard. During the chaos of the 1990s, Zolotov was hired by Former President Boris Yeltsin’s security chief, Alexander Korzhakov who then moved him to St Petersburg to protect the cities mayor Anatoly Sobchak. Sobchak was concerned for his safety as organized crime groups moved to take advantage of the chaos. It was during this time he met Sobchak’s deputy, Vladimir Putin and another man named Roman Tsepov. Zolotov and Tsepov created the security company called Baltik-Escort which provided security for Putin and his family, and also acted as an intermediary between St Petersburg officials and organized crime.
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When Putin was elected to President in 2000, Zolotov followed him and became his Chief of Security till 2013 where he was commander of the Internal Troops of Russia before becoming director of the Rosgvardia. This perpetual rise is in thanks to one man, Vladimir Putin. The two share a strong bond, friends for 30 years they are even reported to be each other’s sparring partners in boxing and judo. Zolotov is a ruthless man and is reported to have created a hit list with General Murov of politicians who should be assassinated to give Putin unchecked power during the late 90s. It is concerning to say the least that this man is now head of the Rosgvardia, essentially a private army. 

​The question remains, what can this tell us about the internal situation of Russia?

​the internal situation

​Putin aims for the world to see Russia as the great power it once was. His actions over the past 5 years shows this. Foreign interventions around the globe aim to show that Russia is a formidable enemy to have, but more importantly it aims to distract the population from its own decline. Putin and his inner circle are afraid of being cast out by a revolution. The formation of a 340,000 strong national guard (the same size as the standing Russian ground forces) and placing one of his closest friends as director is indicative of a power structure which is under threat from an increasingly liberal and energetic youth movement. In fact the creation of the Rosgvardia was spurred out the of election protests of 2011-2013. With an economy that is declining rapidly from sanctions (some even placed on Zolotov himself) and a standard of living falling, it seems that Putin is investing in the future of his corrupt regime by creating a security service with the sole intention of protecting Russia’s corrupt constitution. This organisation is then controlled by a man who appears to have no issue with making people disappear. This paints a bleak and dark picture for any future democratic movements in Russia.
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One could argue however, that the creation of the Rosgvardia is simply a formality as Zolotov was already in control of the preceding organisation (Internal Troops of Russia or MVD RF). I would argue, that transforming the MVD RF into the Rosgvardia allowed Putin direct control as Zolotov would report directly to him, rather than the Ministry of Internal Affairs. By doing so, it creates another security service for Putin and Zolotov to abuse for their own personal benefit, and if required, put down any protests to protect the corrupt constitution Russia is subjected to. This is strikingly similar to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) who were created after the 79 revolution with the sole intention to protect the regime. The reason the revolution was successful is because the Iranian military dropped their guns and joined the protests. IRGC is there to ensure if this does happen again, the regime will remain safe and in power. It appears Putin is trying to create something similar in Russia. The creation of the Rosgvardia indicates Putin’s commitment to authoritarianism in Russia and staunch opposition to western liberalism. It joins the ranks of other nations which also have national guards such as Sudan, Egypt and The Congo.  Hardly bastions of democracy.

conclusion

​The creation of the Rosgvardia should concern everyone who has an interest in Russia. It will most likely serve as another arm of Putin’s Kleptocracy where the rule of law is an afterthought and where power is the most valuable commodity. However, it does give us a insight to this shadowy authoritarian regime, a regime which appears to be concerned by an increasingly liberal youth population. Putin feels the pressure of this demographic and will be looking to cement his and his inner circles hold on power against all newcomers.  There is a bright side however, that even in Russia, protests work. The entire creation of the Rosgvardia was spurred on by the 2011-2013 protests. The only worry is, if Putin and co feel they are pushed into a corner, how will they and the Rosgvardia respond? Something tells me not peacefully…
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