Terrorism in Russia as a National Security Threat and Political Instrument

This analysis by Aleksander Olech examines terrorism in Russia not only as a security threat but as a political tool used by the Kremlin at national, regional, and international levels. It traces the evolution of terrorist threats from the North Caucasus and Caucasus Emirate, through the rise of the Islamic State, to the Islamic State – Khorasan Province and the March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack. The article highlights how Russian law defines terrorism broadly, allowing the state to classify activities as terrorist for political purposes. It distinguishes between extremism and terrorism in Russian legal codes, noting that the security apparatus sometimes uses the concepts in parallel for social control. The National Antiterrorism Committee, led by the FSB, centralizes counterterrorism efforts. Russia's definition of international terrorism is particularly expansive, covering acts deemed to interfere with the 'peaceful coexistence of states' or directed against Russian interests, enabling the Kremlin to apply the terrorism label beyond domestic security threats.