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The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York

The Unholy Matrimony: Russia and Violent Non-State Actors

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Russia’s contemporary relationship with violent non-state actors has been at the forefront of news due to the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the international shock at this phenomenon, this is an age-old practice for Russia. Since the 17<sup>th</sup> century, the Russian state has developed a strategy of utilizing violent non-state actors in order to achieve its geopolitical objectives that consist of expanding its territory, extending its influence abroad, and weakening the capabilities of adversaries. While this strategy seems clear-cut, it contains a rich history of Russia trying to manage its relationship with non-state actors from a position of weakness and strength. In this project, I will explore how Russia has employed violent non-state actors and determine if this relationship has been beneficial or detrimental to the interests of the Russian state across time.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts
Level thesis:degree_level
Master
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Political Science
Grantor
The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York
Year dc:date.available
2025

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Castro, Justin
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Peter Romaniuk

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6252
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:gc_etds-7421

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
City University of New York - Graduate Center
Base URL
academicworks.cuny.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Castro, Justin. The Unholy Matrimony: Russia and Violent Non-State Actors. Master thesis, The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York, 2025. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6252