The Russian FSB: a concise history of the Federal Security Service.

This article provides a concise history of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), which was founded in 1995 and has inherited a long history from agencies like the KGB. The FSB is a highly influential organization that plays a significant role in Russian society, responsible for intelligence-gathering, counterterrorism, and internal security. The book, written by Kevin Riehle, offers a comprehensive introduction to the FSB, covering its leadership, activities, international partnerships, and cultural impact. It also explores the FSB's role in protecting the Russian state and President Putin's leadership. The article highlights the FSB's size and reach, comparing it to various American institutions. However, it also acknowledges the FSB's failures, such as counterterrorism and corruption issues. The author suggests that the FSB will continue to be a major power broker in Russia, as long as Putin remains in power. Overall, this book provides valuable insights into the FSB and its significance in contemporary Russia. [Extracted from the article]