Siloviki: The Unseen Force Behind Russia’s Authoritarian Regime
The term “Silovik” in the Russian political lexicon refers to individuals working in state organizations that are authorized to use force against citizens or others. This broad category encompasses a range of personnel including those in the Russian Armed Forces, national police, drug control agencies, immigration control (GUVM), the Ministry of Justice, the Federal Security Service (FSB), former KGB personnel, GRU (military intelligence agency), the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), and the Federal Protective Service (FSO). In a more colloquial sense, the term is also used to describe politicians who emerged from these security backgrounds. It’s important to note that the term siloviki isn’t just restricted to high-ranking officials but applies to all ranks within these law enforcement agencies in post-Soviet countries.
The etymology of the term “siloviki” translates literally as “people of force” or “strongmen,” derived from the Russian word “сила” meaning “force.” This term became prominent during the early 1990s, particularly under Boris Yeltsin’s era, to denote military-style uniformed services. A similar term, “securocrat,” is used in the same context, and another term proposed by Daniel Treisman is “silovarch,” combining “silovik” and “oligarch.”
The perception of siloviki in Russia is complex. They are often seen as non-ideological and pragmatic with a focus on law and order, and their primary interest is considered to be the resurgence of a strong Russian state. Many siloviki are well-educated and bring commercial experience to their government roles. However, they do not form a cohesive group with a unified agenda or a single leader, and it’s challenging to ascertain if their shared security-intelligence background translates into shared political preferences.
Notably, senior siloviki have played significant roles under Vladimir Putin’s presidency. Key figures include Sergei Ivanov, Viktor Ivanov, Sergei Shoigu, Igor Sechin, Nikolai Patrushev, Alexander Bortnikov, and Sergey Naryshkin, among others. They have maintained close working relationships with Putin and have held pivotal positions in his governments. Their influence was further highlighted following the 2011 Russian protests, when several siloviki were appointed to prominent government positions, showcasing their substantial role in the political landscape.
Under Putin, Russia has seen the proliferation of siloviki across various branches of power, contributing to the country’s evolution into a “hard” authoritarian regime. This development has impacted Russian citizens by providing a certain level of personal freedoms but severely restricting substantive political rights, civil liberties, and personal security.
