The New Nobility: The Restoration of Russia's Security State and the Enduring Legacy of the KGB by Andrei Soldatov and Irina Borogan charts the brief decline of the KGB followed by its resolute resurrection as the FSB as a key political force in Russia. Written by two courageous journalists it has a ton of insight anf fascinating stories.
The authors describe how the FSB suffered an almost dissolution in consequence of the Soviet Union's collapse in 1990 and the failed coup of August 1991. Dazed and disoriented by the brave new world of capitalism, a majority of generals and other senior ranks scuttled the Lubyanka and placed themselves at the service of the new moneyed class, the oligarchs and their imitators. Later, under Putin, the FSB started solidifying in its power and influence and this book tells this story very well providing details to how the wild political freedoms that accompanied gangster capitalism were systematically eroded by the Kremlin's new masters. Chapters talk about attacks on alternative centers of power in Russia's vast regions, at environmental groups and human rights organizations, at foreigners and, as the authors know only too well, at the recently won media freedoms.
Unfortunately, the book has one weakness. Because it is, in so many ways, the story of courageous journalists it never gives enough background. Several chapters cover aspects of the internal security apparatus of Russia that are not, I believe, part of the FSB and it leaves a disjointed feeling. A few appendixes with more details and “wikipedia” style entries would have been appreciated. I found myself having to go on line at several points to understand the wider context of what the authors were describing, and that was disjointing.
This book is strongly recommended to anyone who wants to understand the background and behaviors of Russia's security power makers.
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