1. 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

2. 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 ).
What are the interests?
Political interests
Security interests

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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