Why did protection rackets become ubiquitous following the collapse of the Russian government in the '90s?

Protection rackets became ubiquitous following the collapse of the Russian government in the 1990s due to a vacuum of power and authority, an unstable economic climate, and the rapid transition from a centralized economy to a market economy, which created an environment ripe for organized crime.

1. Power Vacuum: After the fall of the Soviet Union, there was a significant power vacuum. The institutions of the state, including law enforcement and the judiciary, were weakened and, in some cases, corrupt. This lack of effective governance allowed criminal groups to establish their own systems of control.

2. Economic Turmoil: The transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy was chaotic and swift, leaving many without jobs or stability. In this environment, organized crime offered a semblance of order and could present itself as a necessary service to businesses seeking protection from looting, theft, and other criminal activities.

3. Weak Legal Framework: The legal system was not prepared for the sudden shift in economics and governance, leading to a weak rule of law. This allowed protection rackets to operate with relative impunity, as there was little risk of legal consequences.

4. Demand for Protection: As newly privatized businesses sought to establish themselves, they found the environment to be extremely competitive and sometimes violent. With the government unable to provide adequate protection, business owners turned to private organizations, often criminal, for security services.

5. Organized Crime Growth: The pre-existing networks of organized crime saw the transition as an opportunity to expand their operations. They capitalized on the fear and disorder by offering "protection" against both real and fabricated threats. Over time, these rackets became normalized as part of doing business in Russia.