Doing research fieldwork in Russia on a sensitive topic: Researching terrorism Michael Vishnevetsky Keele University, UK Centre for Criminological Research Research Institute for Law, Politics and Justice School of Criminology, Education, Sociology & Social Work

Why terrorism research is a sensitive topic in Russia What is a sensitive topic? “circumstances in which the research entails a compiling of information that has the potential to prove damaging to certain interests.” (Belousov et al, 2007: pp. 158-159). What are the interests? Political interests Security interests

Actor/Kind of security interest Security interests Actor/Kind of security interest Internal interests External interests Russian Federal government Power consolidation; Keeping Chechnya within the Federation International security status Chechen local government (pro-Moscow) Power consolidation; Prevention of infiltration Terrorism prevention- public safety Terrorists in Chechnya Prevention of infiltration/Secrecy Carrying out terrorist acts - destabilisation

Why Russia is a sensitive environment for terrorism research Tradition of secrecy and secret service in Russia Controversy around the Chechen war Human rights violations Crackdown on journalists Environment with no regulations for research

Tradition of secrecy and secret service in Russia The Soviet secret police developed and changed over time, but its aims and methods did not change significantly. ‘Counterintelligence State’ in the Soviet Union, and contemporary Russia: “…the presence of a large, elite force acting as the watchdog of a security defined broadly and arbitrarily…” (Waller, 1994: p. 13 ) Consequence: Soviet and Russian people have been taught to be careful in their contacts and expression of their thoughts (Waller, 1994; Belousov et al, 2007)

Controversy around the wars in Chechnya The political background 1st War Invasion of Dagestan 2nd War The disagreement on Chechnya’s political status inside and outside Chechnya Terrorism in Chechnya

Human rights violations in Chechnya War crimes by Chechens and Russians: indiscriminate killing, arrests, torture, executions of captive soldiers and civilians Taking hostages for ransom: committed by Chechens and Russians Lack of basic human rights (political freedom, security) Lack of opportunities - jobs, education, medical care

Crackdown on journalists Mr Andrej Babitskiy, journalist of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: abducted & arrested Mr Uriy Shekochikhin, former Deputy Editor of Novaya Gazeta, Member of the Russian Parliament : murdered? Mrs Anna Politkovskaya, a former journalist of Novaya Gazeta: murdered Mr Vyacheslav Izmailov, Military Commentator of the Novaya Gazeta, a closely associated colleague of the late Anna Politkovskaya : threatened

Environment with no regulations for research My research Insecurity and behaviour of the interview partners: Chechnya-based psychologist: withdrew Writer on Chechen female terrorists: thought I was a spy 2 former senior officers: wanted to remain anonymous

What is important for doing fieldwork in Russia? Keep in mind the sensitivity of research in Russia Gain an official status in the country Contact gatekeepers Say who you are and what you are doing Ensure your personal safety