ABSTRACT
Youth gangs 1 are currently an issue of great concern in Russia. Although the emergence of gangs is characteristic of all cities in which the construction of new housing estates and districts has outstripped the development of cultural infrastructure, in Russia the situation is intensified by the difficult socio-political context. This might be described as widespread alienation and a general breakdown in social relations and communication. In such circumstances existing social tension may be significantly aggravated by a ‘third force’, especially if that force is associated with the criminal world. Thus, given the current deterioration in relations, not only with the former republics of the USSR but also with the autonomous republics within Russia, teenage gangs might act as ‘internal detonators’ of more serious conflict. If their activities become controlled by the mafia, or if the gangs become incorporated into corrupt structures, they might succeed in provoking conflict effectively even in the ‘safest’ of regions of the country.
It would not be that difficult for us to turn safe Ul’ianovsk into a ‘hot spot’. If necessary, within a week a struggle could be started between, for example, Tatars and Russians. This is not hard to organise; robberies, murders if necessary, are arranged and those you want drawn into the conflict are framed. It is quiet here because, as yet, that is how it suits everyone.
(Gang member, Ul’ianovsk 1994) 2