Silovik

A silovik (Russian: силови́к, IPA: [sʲɪlɐˈvʲik]; plural: siloviki, силовики́) is a Russian word for politicians and government officials who have come from the silovyye struktury (силовые структуры, 'power structures'), which include the military, security services (FSB, formerly KGB), police, and other enforcement agencies. The term is often used to describe individuals who hold significant political and economic power due to their connections to these agencies, and who often advocate for the use of force and assertiveness in domestic and foreign policy.

The rise of siloviki to positions of power in Russia is often associated with the presidency of Vladimir Putin, himself a former KGB officer. Many key figures in the Russian government and business elite are believed to have strong ties to the security services.

The siloviki are often characterized by a worldview shaped by their experiences in the security services, emphasizing national security, state control, and a distrust of foreign influence. They are seen by some as stabilizing forces ensuring order and stability in Russia, while others view them as authoritarian figures who stifle dissent and maintain power through control and manipulation.

The exact influence and composition of the silovik group is a subject of debate among political analysts and observers of Russian politics. The term itself is somewhat imprecise and can be applied to a broad range of individuals with varying degrees of connection to the security apparatus.