Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article argues that Russia’s use of lethal violence against intelligence defectors has to be understood as a public spectacle in which Russian leaders and intelligence officials never intended to hide their role. This “theatrical murder” functions primarily as a political signaling tool for a reasserting Russia to communicate to distinct domestic and foreign audiences. We historicize the phenomenon by outlining and explaining the KGB’s approach towards defectors during the Cold War and show that “theatrical murder” is a unique feature of Russia under Putin’s rule. The empirical findings are used to significantly advance theorizing on signaling through covert action.
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