How did the KGB fit into the Soviet Union's system of power?

The KGB served as the "sword and shield" of the Communist Party, functioning as the primary instrument of political control within the Soviet Union. Established in 1954, it was designed to be strictly controlled by senior party officials to protect the political leadership and ensure the regime's security.12

The agency’s role in the Soviet power structure included:

• Domestic Surveillance: It maintained control through the general surveillance of the population and the suppression of dissent, targeting intellectuals, human rights advocates, and religious activists.21
• Political Watchdog: By the late 1960s, the KGB acted as the party's security watchdog. Its influence was such that its head, Yury Andropov, eventually rose to lead the country.1
• Intelligence and Security: Beyond domestic repression, it managed foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and border security.31

While the KGB was a powerful tool for maintaining the party's authority, it remained a servant of the regime. It was ultimately unable to prevent the Soviet Union's collapse, and its leaders were never held accountable for the crimes committed against the Soviet people.1