The National Guard of the Russian Federation as an element of domestic security in Russia

Abstract

The National Guard of the Russian Federation as a new part of the internal security system of Russia was established in April 2016 by presidential decree. Further presidential decrees and draft laws determine its shape and extensive competence. This paper attempts to answer the question of why a new military formation was established, what are its main tasks and in what situations its potential can be used. This paper is based on an analysis of official government documents of the Russian Federation and, additionally, on the reports of international think tanks, opinion polls and the publications of the international media.