An introduction to Putins formidable intelligence and security organizationSince its founding in 1995 the FSB Russiaamp8217s Federal Security Service has regained the majority of the domestic security functions of the Sovietera 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 antidissident operations at home and abroad counterintelligence counterterrorism criminal investigations of crimes against the state and guarding Russiaamp8217s borders.In The Russian FSB Kevin P. Riehle provides a brief history of the FSBamp8217s origins placed within the context of Russian history the governmentamp8217s power structure and Russiaamp8217s wider culture. He describes how the FSBamp8217s mindset and priorities show continuities from the tsarist regimes and the Soviet era. The bookamp8217s chapters analyze origins organizational structure missions leaders international partners and cultural representations such as the FSB in film and television. Based on both English and Russian sources this book is a wellresearched introduction to understanding the FSB and its central role in Putinamp8217s Russia.Concise Histories of Intelligence SeriesChristopher Moran Mark Phythian and Mark Stout Series Editors