KADYROV & THE KREMLIN: Q&A WITH PROFESSOR MARK GALEOTTI.

This article is a Q&A with Professor Mark Galeotti about the complex relationship between Chechnya and Russia. Chechens are feared and resented by many Russians due to the brutality of Chechen organized crime and the history of terrorist attacks. The Kremlin chose to militarily crush Chechen independence to prevent other parts of the Russian Federation from seeking independence. Currently, there is no active resistance movement within Chechnya, as it is under the authoritarian rule of Ramzan Kadyrov. The balance of power in Chechen leadership is precarious, as both Putin and Kadyrov depend on each other. The underlying causes of the Chechen Wars have not been resolved, and there is a risk of renewed conflict whenever Moscow appears weak or distracted. The outcome of the Ukraine war is unlikely to change the current status quo in Chechnya as long as Moscow continues to pay off Kadyrov to maintain peace. [Extracted from the article]