The history of domestic intelligence in the Russian empire: the 18th-19th centuries

The article aims at studying the historical formation and functioning of military and police units in the Russian Empire of the 18th-19th centuries, as well as determining some historical and legal patterns in the development of the institution of domestic intelligence. The main research method was the historical to study some historical stages, the historical and legal nature, the role of domestic intelligence and military-police units in the system of the Russian state power in the 18th-19th centuries. The scientific article also used the method of systemic analysis, deduction, induction, etc. The article concludes that the main secret services were subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1880 to 1917, i.e. the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs stood between the supreme ruler (the emperor) and the heads of special services.

Germany’s coalition will be bound together by weakness

Significance This comes only days after the government resolved a dispute around the former head of the domestic intelligence agency, Hans-Georg Maassen. This conflict was the second in just over three months that raised serious doubts about the stability of the coalition. Impacts Aside from the AfD, the Greens are likely to benefit from the coalition's disarray. If the CSU loses its absolute majority in Bavaria, it may try to form a coalition with the Free Voters and the liberal Free Democrats. After Bavaria, federal state elections in Hesse on October 28 is the next test for the coalition parties. If the government collapses, a CDU/CSU-Greens-Free Democrats coalition without Merkel could be an alternative to snap elections.

German 'Reichsbuerger' will pose limited threat

Significance The 'Reichsbuerger' ('citizens of the Reich') are Germans who reject the legitimacy of the current state and are often associated with the far-right, anti-Semitic scene. They have grown increasingly violent in recent years, prompting domestic intelligence agencies to monitor the movement more closely. Impacts A serious terrorist incident could damage Chancellor Angela Merkel’s credibility and authority. The movement is creating business opportunities for individuals selling ‘Reich passports’ and offering consulting services. Concerns about the possession of firearms by Reichsbuerger could prompt stricter gun laws. Reichsbuerger disarmed by authorities may obtain weapons illegally.