The Role of the Security Forces in Times of political Turbulence

Abstract

The power structures are an indispensable tool, the state power system’s resource and a significant factor determining the relationship and outcome of the conflict between the government and society in a period of internal political turbulence. Periods of instability and uncertainty are traditionally accompanied by security officials’ presence in the bowels of power and participation in the struggle for it. At present, the world is faced with choosing one of several possible trajectories for further development. World globalisation and the network revolution increase an individual’s capabilities and importance, and a “man with a gun” a priori, in the historical process. Modern realities of international relations stimulate the existence and strengthening of power structures as state power instruments. Domestic challenges and events in several countries of the world, which actively declared themselves in 2020–2021, force them to rethink the possibility of using law enforcement agencies in resolving internal political conflict situations, as well as the need to conduct an analytical assessment of possible options for the actions of personnel associated with the use of armed violence during periods of intense political turbulence within states. The article substantiates the need for a prompt response of state authorities to changes in the country’s political situation. The author believes that the tendency to an increase in the importance of power structures, as a force exerting a decisive influence at the point of bifurcation on the choice of the direction of further development, requires not only awareness but adjustment of communication processes in the connection “state — power structures — civil society”.