Concerns about security among the Russian people have peaked at levels not seen since the disintegration of the USSR. Today it is obvious that security issues will become very popular among candidates during election campaigns for the State Duma and the presidency in 1999 and 2000, respectively. Why is this the case? For the first time in contemporary Russian history, ordinary people feel threatened.
Politicians have already adopted rhetoric advocating "strong authority and stability;" Russia is prepared for the "iron fist." What are the roots of this phenomenon?
• unexpected terrorists attacks
• a new wave of separatist initiatives in some republics and regions
• the Russian Army is gaining public attention once again, but this time in a positive way
• demands for increasing military expenditures. […]
