Since its creation immediately after the Russian revolution, the militia has had a broad range of social, political and economic functions necessary to direct and control a highly centralized socialist state.However, as the communst party lost its legitimacy the militia was increasingly thrust into the front line of political conflict.A task it was unsuited to perform.Despite the efforts of perestroika to reform it, the collapse of the Soviet state also led to the collapse of morale within the militia.
Louise Shelley provides a comprehensive view of the history, development, functions,...