In our recent podcast episode, we delved into the intricacies of security and terrorism in the North Caucasus, explaining the geopolitical significance this region holds for Russia and its broader role on the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
The analysis was prompted by insights shared by Nikolai Patrushev, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, during his visit to Magas, the capital of the Republic of Ingushetia.
Patrushev’s disclosure of a one-third reduction in extremist crimes over the past year, with approximately 450 convictions, underscores the efficacy of collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies and executive authorities in the North Caucasus.
Notably, the prevention of 16 terrorist attacks in 2023 and the dismantling of nearly 150 groups with ties to international terrorist organisations reflect a substantial improvement in the region’s security landscape.
In the meeting’s course, Patrushev opted for a confrontational stance towards the West, levelling accusations against the collective Western countries for deliberately exploiting international terrorist groups to intensify socio-political unrest.
Patrushev’s words, along with the continuous promotion and financial support from the Kremlin, highlight the North Caucasus’ significant strategic role as a ‘bridge’ between Europe and Asia, as well as a ‘frontier’ between the Christian and Muslim worlds.
Indeed, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the North Caucasus has been a strategic focal point for Moscow and foreign nations. The Kremlin’s efforts to stabilise the region, especially after the First Chechen Conflict (1996-1996) and the beginning of the Second Chechen Conflict (1999-2009), have been reinforced through initiatives like the North Caucasus Federal District and Strategy 2025.
However, geopolitical interests persist, with Russia guarding against so-called “Western interference,” while the West seeks to influence regional dynamics through think tanks and independent movements. The North Caucasus, positioned at the Eurasian crossroads, remains a critical terrain for Russia-West strategic competition.
Read more | Counter-Terrorism Operation in Ingushetia: A Risk Assessment |
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