Russian Intelligence Services: Old Rivalries, New Problems

Russia's problems, from the Ukraine crisis to its domestic economic distress, seem to have rekindled an age-old feud among the country's powerful intelligence services. These kinds of agencies are particularly important to Russia: The country's survival depends on maintaining order at home and imposing its will along its western border, a historic avenue for foreign intrusion. Russian President Vladimir Putin, himself a former member of the KGB, well understands how important his intelligence services are, and so he will mediate the current dispute and intervene if necessary.