It must be recognized that we live in a period of change. Gradually, they gain such momentum that they can “crush” those who do not dodge in time. In order to understand the essence of change, it is necessary to be well versed in terms that are a kind of “beacons”, strongly signaling to ordinary citizens that events are rapidly gaining momentum. The expression "5th column" can be safely attributed to those. What it is? Let's find out.
A trip to history
To an uninitiated reader who rarely listens to what news announcers are broadcasting, the phrase will seem quite ordinary. Something like reasoning about architecture. But this expression has nothing to do with Doric and Ionic columns…
It was first used by a Francoist general during the war in Spain in 1936-1939. It was about the fact that there are secret agents in the rear. Describing the situation in a speech on the radio, he said that in addition to four military columnsThere is also a 5 column. What this is became clear from the comments: E. Mola meant a hidden, spy network operating in Madrid.
Modern definition
Over time, the term has become a household name. Now it is rare for any of the citizens who are interested in world events to ask the question: “5th column - what is it?” This is the name given to open and hidden spies, traitors and wreckers, some individuals capable of aiding the enemy in a critical situation. It is clear that a patriot does not want to be included in this "society". The 5th column is people who in no case can win the trust of both the state and its citizens. They act on the basis of selfish interests, without thinking about the security of the Motherland.
What is the "fifth column" in Russia
There is a big and, unfortunately, heated debate in society about who is a patriot and who is not. Anyone who is suspected of complicity with the “potential adversary”, which is now the collective West, is denounced with the unflattering title of “5th Column”. What it is, everyone interprets in their own way, not caring about the opponent's emotions. So it’s not far from a general “scuffle” … But still, authoritative political scientists have quite clearly defined what a fifth column is in modern Russia.
First of all, all the white tape workers - those who took part in memorable events on Bolotnaya Square - were included in the unpleasant list. These citizens, having their own views on the politics of the state(which they have every right to), criticize the authorities too actively, without offering effective "recipes" for the treatment of "ailments". Their position is now not in honor of that part of society that supports the general upsurge generated by the Crimean events.
More complex representatives of the fifth column
Some sources believe that the "society" of hidden and open opponents in the Russian Federation is much broader than the legal opposition. They include foreign citizens whose activities are clearly anti-government in nature. Basically, the "adversaries" work with the population, sometimes creating uncontrollable dissatisfaction with the authorities. Any occasion is suitable, as long as the people are worried and indignant. And if there is no demand from foreigners (they are not obliged to serve our Motherland), then theirs is a completely different story.
5th column attracts Russians into its ranks with the opportunity to get a good income. There is no need to hide the fact that these people are acting in the interests of our adversaries, whose sponsorship is not yet limited. Yes, and "approaches" to recruitment are very sophisticated. Citizens of the Russian Federation are sure that they have every right to their point of view. In order to make an honest person a member of the fifth column, it is enough to carefully and unobtrusively correct his opinion. And what is the result? Now you are dissatisfied with the authorities, and tomorrow you are already running to a rally for a small bribe, not asking if your goals are the basis of the organizers?
How dangerous is the 5th column?
We must begin with the fact that the basis of the influence of the fifth column arecash. They are controlled by foreign citizens pursuing goals different from Russian ones. They are not always illegal. Part of the work is carried out openly: publications in the media, financing of projects, organizing actions aimed at highlighting the shortcomings of the social structure. Legal actions are quite democratic. Only their goal, if considered deeply, is anti-state. The activities of the fifth column are aimed at eliminating the strong statehood of Russia. This is not done openly, but veiled. Slowly, but persistently, the column exerts its negative impact on the minds of citizens. Preparations are being made for a "turning point" when people can be taken to the streets to demand a change of government. This activity involves many specialists, covering almost all segments of the population. A simple layman does not have to go to rallies: representatives of the enemy camp are waiting for him on the Internet, on forums, in social networks. Anti-state sentiments are injected into the people carefully and carefully so as not to cause rejection. That is why the hidden enemy is dangerous. Not everyone will be able to recognize his work, which means that it will be difficult to find your bearings and repel the blow in time.