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Category: Police

Research and Spycraft Revisited

Research and Spycraft Revisited

In June, I was detained in Volgograd and questioned by the Russian migration authorities and the FSB. I was lucky, all things considered, even though the experience was extraordinarily unpleasant. I know that many others have had it much worse, particularly those Russians who might have differing or minority opinions and may try to effect change based on expressing those views. I was hopeful that the issue was merely one of local authorities flexing their muscles, and that with time…

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Doing Research in Russia, or I Swear I’m Not a Spy

Doing Research in Russia, or I Swear I’m Not a Spy

Written in a Volgograd café in the aftermath of being questioned by the migration authorities and the FSB I’ve been involved with Russia for a long time. I’ve lived here for several years in total, but even when this country wasn’t my home, I would come for extended visits every year. I’m not naïve. I know how hard the systems are in this country, how too often they are dysfunctional and demeaning, but I also know how beautiful things can…

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