Experience of countering the FBI destructive sects in the second half of the 20th century

Abstract

The article examines the FBI's work to counter marginal religious organizations in the 1970s and 90s. During this period, the Bureau investigated three resonant cases involving followers of religious organizations: The mass suicide in Johnstown, the Ruby Ridge incident, and the Waco tragedy. Each of these cases led to tragic events, with varying degrees of FBI responsibility. Based on the documents of the US special services, we analyzed the methodology of the department's work with extremist religious organizations, compared and identified key problems and their solutions to the Bureau itself. We also considered the specifics of the FBI's interaction with the US Department of Justice based on which conclusions were made about the discourse around the Bureau during this period and the consequences that the three incidents we studied had. In addition, aspects of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's relationship with the White House and the presidential administration were considered. Based on the above, conclusions were made about the features and disadvantages of the work of federal agents in the field of countering religious extremism. In addition to a diverse source base, the study involved work on the history of the FBI, US political institutions and the history of religious extremism in America.