The Russian state has faced a deep transformation since the beginning of the 1990s. The society moved from a dictatorial regime to a formal democracy. The military has been a problem in Russia since the times of the Soviet Union. Violence, abuses, suicides etc. are the result of the traditional military system. During the final stage of the Soviet Empire protest against the miserable conditions in the army was entered by a small number of mothers of young soldiers. This essay is about the non governmental organisation of the Soldiers' Mothers of Russia, which is one of the most important and successful human rights organisations in Russia. The first chapter of this Essay will be about the establishment of the Soldiers' Mothers and the societal conditions which enabled it. Chapter two is about the Status quo of the Russian Army, about the violence against and abuses of young conscripts and about the associated hierarchical military system. Also structural and legal shortcomings of the military will be described. The third chapter deals with the goals and demands of the Soldiers' Mothers of St. Petersburg, chapter four will be about the working methods of the organisation and the ways of embarking their goals.
Table of Contents
Preface
1. The Establishment of the Soldiers' Mothers
2. Status Quo of the Russian Army
3. Targets of the Soldiers' Mothers organisation (St. Petersburg)
4. Methods and forms of protest
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay explores the history, objectives, and methods of the "Soldiers' Mothers of Russia," a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing human rights violations and systemic abuse within the Russian military. The work examines the societal conditions that facilitated the group's formation and analyzes their ongoing struggle for military reform and democratic transformation in post-Soviet Russia.
- Societal premises and historical context of the organization's establishment.
- Structural and legal shortcomings of the Russian military.
- The role of "Dedovshchina" in systemic soldier abuse.
- Advocacy, protest, and influence on public opinion and legislation.
- Challenges posed by the state and the pursuit of a democratic constitutional society.
Excerpt from the Book
2) Status Quo of the Russian Army
According to official agencies, 20.000 Russian soldiers get injured by others military personal every year. 2.000 soldiers are killed every year, 800 because of abuse and violence of other soldiers, 1.200 because of „careless bargaining“. The Soldiers' Mothers think that official figures are far too low and assume at least the double number10. They argue that every year between 6.000 and 8.000 soldiers are killed11.
According to official figures, 1.200 soldiers were killed in the year 2003 in traffic accidents, abuse of and accidents with weapons, tussles betweens soldiers and suicides. Since 1999 the yearly number of non combat-deaths is approximately equal. Harassment plays also a role in the Russian Army: 2.500 victims of hazing were reported in the year 2003, sixteen people died. About 300 soldiers commit suicide every year12. In 2005, more than 6.000 soldiers have been abused13. Despite the high number of abuses and deaths in the Russian army, the Government suggests that these practices have declined because of their engagement with the problem14.
One main problem of the Russian Army and an essential basic for the high number of human rights violations is the existence of an informal hierarchic status system named „Dedovshchina“ (the „rule of the grandfathers“). The word derives from „Dedy“ („Grandfather“). The „older“ conscripts which have already served for twelve months and still have twelve months, are named „Dedy“15. Within this system, which exists beside the official military hierarchy, the abuses of new conscripts take place16. The „Dedovshchina“ is a circle: Second-year conscripts have the formal authority about newer conscripts, but it is limited to the military service. But the formal right of the older conscripts is abused by them, they force the younger ones to be there for them at any time, new conscripts get abused and punished (often violently) for any „violation“ of informal and formal rules, they are forced to work for the older conscripts, which have been drafted earlier.
Summary of Chapters
Preface: This introductory section outlines the transition of Russia from a dictatorial regime to a formal democracy and introduces the Soldiers' Mothers as a critical human rights actor.
1. The Establishment of the Soldiers' Mothers: This chapter analyzes the societal events, including the Brezhnev era, the war in Afghanistan, and the Gorbachev reforms, that enabled the formation of the organization.
2. Status Quo of the Russian Army: This chapter details the statistics of soldier deaths, the practice of hazing, and the informal "Dedovshchina" system that perpetuates abuse.
3. Targets of the Soldiers' Mothers organisation (St. Petersburg): This chapter explains the organization's goals, ranging from protecting soldier rights to advocating for the total abolition of compulsory military service.
4. Methods and forms of protest: This chapter discusses how the organization influences public opinion, utilizes media, and engages with international institutions to fight for human rights.
5. Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the organization's impact while noting the ongoing difficulties posed by an authoritarian government.
Keywords
Soldiers' Mothers, Russian Army, Dedovshchina, Human Rights, Military Reform, Conscription, Civil Rights, Abuse, Pacifism, St. Petersburg, Post-Soviet Russia, Non-governmental Organization, Protest, State Repression, Demilitarization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The essay focuses on the "Soldiers' Mothers of Russia," examining their origin as a protest movement against the violent and abusive conditions within the Russian military system during the post-Soviet transition.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The work covers historical societal shifts, the "Dedovshchina" hierarchy, military human rights violations, the goals of the St. Petersburg branch, and the protest methods used by the organization.
What is the central goal of the Soldiers' Mothers organization?
Their primary goal is the protection of life, health, and civil rights of soldiers, while eventually aiming for a total transformation of the military institution, including the abolition of compulsory conscription.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The research is based on a qualitative analysis of various online sources, including reports from human rights organizations, academic articles, and media documentation.
What does the main body of the text address?
The main body investigates the institutional causes of military violence, the systemic "Dedovshchina" hazing, and the specific strategies—such as political lobbying, public demonstrations, and international engagement—that the organization uses to enact change.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Soldiers' Mothers, Dedovshchina, Human Rights, Military Reform, Conscription, and Civil Rights.
How does the "Dedovshchina" system function in the Russian army?
It is an informal, hierarchical system where second-year conscripts exercise abusive authority over newer recruits, forcing them into labor and violence, which often results in severe trauma, desertion, or suicide.
What specific challenges do the Soldiers' Mothers face from the Russian state?
The organization faces accusations of fraud by military officials, attempts by the government to discredit them through "pseudo-organizations," and a general curtailment of civil rights under the Putin administration.
- Quote paper
- Markus Rachbauer (Author), 2007, The soldiers' mothers of Russia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/93991
