Recently, more often at all levels and in Russia, and in Ukraine, and in other countries of the post-Soviet space began to use the phrase "fifth column". What does it mean and what is the threat to society?
History of the term
The origin of the expression under consideration is associated with the civil war in Spain. Then the republican regime confronted the fascist General Franco. In 1936, the Frankish offensive began on the Spanish capital. To intimidate the enemy on the radio was broadcast the speech of one of the generals, dictator E. Mole. He said that in addition to the four military columns that go to the city under the leadership of different generals, in Madrid there are adherents of the new regime who will perform at the appointed time. These spies he called the "fifth column". In Russia, both in the past and today, this image of the internal enemy is actively used. Let's take a historical digression and find out what is the fifth column in Russia and whether it really represents a real threat to the state?
Intervention of foreign powers in the internal affairs of Russia
The fact that each state has its geopolitical and economic interests is a long-known truth to all. But not everyone understands that Russia, which is strong economically and politically, is an undesirable moment for many countries. Why? Yes, because the colossus of Russia, an unpredictable and strong state, is frightened by the developed countries, they see a competitor, which must be weakened at any cost. Therefore, the advanced powers and wars were untied by other people's hands (for example, the Russo-Turkish 1806-1812 gg.), And took an active part in domestic politics. So, for example, the coup d'état accomplished by a handful of nobles in 1801 was directly paid by England, and this is a recognized fact. Then there was still no term "fifth column", but its methods were used widely enough. Why did England need to get rid of Paul? But because he in alliance with Napoleon planned to organize a campaign to India and in general to oppose the hegemony of England in the world. Skillfully taking advantage of the dissatisfaction of the nobles by the reign of Paul the First, Britain solved its problems with their hands.
Century twentieth
Let's go into the twentieth century. Was the fifth column in Russia in the last century? The First World War undermined its economy and provoked a new crisis. After the February Revolution, Nicholas asked his relatives from the royal house of England to accept his family, but was refused. Why? The weak Provisional Government could not cope with the situation in the country, and the Allies demanded more and more offensives at the front. The coming to power of the Bolsheviks caused a civil war, the foreigners immediately began to "help" the White movement. But did they really want to help? Known are the words of the Russian white general that no one but Russians needs a great Russia. The power of the Bolsheviks was supposed to destroy the country, but it did not turn out that way. The newly created Union of Soviet Socialist Republics became a new giant, which, again, they feared and dreamed of destroying and dividing. His collapse had both internal and external causes. No wonder the US president congratulated his people on the cold war won after the collapse of the USSR.
The other side of the coin
Despite the fact that the existing giant, the Soviet Union, scared the developed countries, and, probably, they had their agents on its territory, all the same the scale of the fight against the "wreckers" exceeded all conceivable limits. "Enemies of the people" - this terminology of the Soviet era may well replace the expression "fifth column". These are the same agents of influence, working against their country for the benefit of another. Most of them have not only ideological motives, but also more mercantile - personal gain. Nevertheless, in the Soviet era, many innocent people suffered as enemies of the people. In addition, the presence of an internal enemy can always be a good excuse for any failure of the policy of state authorities, an explanation of the existence of economic problems and an occasion for rallying citizens. Thus, the "fifth column" - this can be a good excuse for tough policies for those in power.
Russia in the 90s
Remembering all the above, we will try to see the current political situation and determine whether it is possible to consider such a phenomenon as the "fifth column of Russia" in the current situation. One of the basic principles of dialectics requires studying the phenomenon in development and historical context. Therefore, let's start with the collapse of the USSR. The position of Russia in the world can not be called otherwise than weak. The foreign ministers, who replaced Mr. Gromyko's "Mr. No", made concessions on all the demands of the United States and the West following the leaders of the country. In exchange, Russia received world recognition and, as Putin put it, the right to sit next to the leading powers at the G-8 meetings and the like.
Current political situation
There is an opinion on the sole control of world processes by the United States. Evidence for this is enough. But as soon as the Russian Federation began to declare its strategic interests and contradict the "world dictator," they immediately started talking about the terrible aggressive Russia. The situation today is such that the world community condemns Russia on all counts. At the same time, fear is formed for the country and Putin personally. What should the government of the Russian Federation do in this situation? The choice can be: to reconcile to your position of a second-class power and surrender to the mercy of the "winners" or to defend your interests to the end. What is the fifth column in this situation? This is not just an opposition, but the forces weakening the state from within and shaking the political situation at a very dangerous time for the country. The situation is similar to the ideas of "defeatists" during the First World War, advocating the loss of their own state in the war.
Crimean crisis
Even before the spring of 2014, there was an opposition in Russia that opposed the existing political regime. Some of these forces legally participated in the political struggle through elections. Another, such as the world-famous Pusi Wright, acts through PR actions, bursting into trouble and exposing the authorities' actions as a protest against freedom of speech. The protest at Bolotnaya Square in Moscow, organized by the allies of A. Navalny, was a more serious attempt to raise discontent in society. But only in connection with the Crimean question the term "the fifth column" was quickened again. By and large, all those who opposed the accession of the Crimea to Russia fell into it . This quite large group included a completely heterogeneous audience, who unambiguously assessed the accession of the Crimean peninsula.
Attempts to make a list of the fifth column
So, most of the population of Russia and political leaders welcomed the annexation of part of Ukraine in the form of Crimea to Russia. Therefore, the attitude towards people who expressed their protest against the actions of the Russian authorities was so vividly expressed. There are not many of them, but nevertheless, many of them are quite influential people. Of the deputies of the lower house of parliament are four people: Valery Zubov, Ilya Ponomarev, Sergei Petrov and Dmitry Gudkov. They were joined by Nemtsov, Yavlinsky, Novodvorskaya. A big surprise was the position of all favorite artists, such as Yu. Shevchuk, A. Makarevich, who immediately spoke out against the Russian invasion of the Crimea, considering everything that happened to be an annexation. Many of the representatives of our creative elite were afraid that the war between Ukraine and Russia would thus unfold. This, in all likelihood, was written by BG on its Facebook page, urging the peoples not to quarrel. Meanwhile, the war is on the Ukrainian east. The question with the Crimea hung in the air.
The Reality of the Internal Enemy
The presence of opposition in society is a normal phenomenon. Any democracy advocates pluralism, including opinions. The application of measures of state coercion to dissidents is a sign of totalitarianism. Can you say that the authorities are pursuing, for example, the group "Ocean Elzy" or other collectives and individuals who oppose the dominant policy? The artists themselves deny this fact. But something else is happening. Various social forces, sometimes even of a very extremist nature, are trying to unleash the persecution of the so-called fifth column. At the same time, public opinion can criticize any position, including the opposition one. But the very wide use in the media and political debate of the term "fifth column" - what is it, if not an escalation of social tension and not an appeal to fight pests, enemies of the people, cosmopolitans and so on?