Taylor Quoted in Science Article on Russia’s Targeting of Scientists

July 20, 2022

Science

Brian Taylor

Political Science Department

Russia

Science

Brian Taylor

Russian scientists are key targets for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) because they have access to sensitive information and often travel to conferences and meet with foreign colleagues. Arrests are driven by nefarious incentives at FSB, where agents are eager to supply enemies of the state in return for bonuses and promotions.

The post-Soviet security services are still driven by performance quotas, but they are also “populated by officials who are trying to build their careers or make money through the cases they pursue,” says Professor Brian Taylor who studies FSB.

Read more in the Science article, "Russian scientist facing treason charges dies in custody."