Two recent stories are indicative of the growing power of the paramlitary Cossack movement. Paul Goble reports that there are more self-identified Cossacks in the Duma now than Communist deputies. On the one hand, this is obviously frightening, but on the other, it shows the obviously ersatz nature of the Cossack movement, since apparently anybody can join (i.e. "we're Cossack too!"). The main question is what makes a Cossack, in their own mind? If it only means being a violent racist who supports the Kremlin 100%, then this is a truly disturbing development.
In a related development, the country's largest Cossack group--the Invincible Don Host--all but promised violent actions against minority Christians.

Technorati Tags: Russia xenophobia sects Cossacks