Chechnya

Chechnya is a region in Southern Russia beset by violence and, on occasion, direct military conflict. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, separatists in the region have sought independence, inspired by the disintegration of the Soviet state into numerous new countries. However, the Russian state has forcefully attempted to retain control of the region and continues military and security operations directed at paramilitary and terrorist organizations originating from there. Thus far, two recognized wars have been fought in Chechnya, and while its role has been minor in many rounds of Superpower: Classic, it nonetheless presents a significant obstacle to Russian policy.

Round Ten
During Round 10, Chechnya briefly appeared in the headlines as the location of a large attack on federal police forces in the region. As a response to generate a picture of unchallenged Russian power over its own territory (rather than attempting to address the instability of the region), the Russian government retaliated with a military raid directed against the militants suspected to be responsible. Little information reached the WBC because of stringent military controls imposed on media access, but it's believed that the raid met with little practical success. Measurements of its international impact regarding foreign perception of Russian legitimacy and strength are difficult to assess.

The region indirectly received mentioned with the extradition of Akhmed Zakayev, a former Chechen militant, from the United Kingdom to Russia. There he faced a quick trial which resulted in life imprisonment.

Chechnya made a second appearance towards the end of the round with the development of a list of high profile threat personalities for the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Russia's primary external intelligence agency, to eliminate. Of the ten names listed, the majority consisted of Chechen militants, some of which resided abroad in exile. The SVR did not conduct any operations against the individuals.