What does the 5th column mean in politics? "Fifth Column" (about the origin of the term)
The origin of the expression is unclear. Wikipedia elevates its author to Mussolini, who, even during the First World War, allegedly asserted the existence of a certain “fifth army” of German adherents in the Entente countries.
Another creator of phraseology is the Spanish general Emilio Mola, who led Franco’s army during the Spanish Civil War. It seems that in 1936, during an attempt to capture Madrid, he declared that in addition to the “official” four military columns, he had at his disposal a fifth - in the city itself, which also had the ability to support the offensive.
Examples of the use of the concept “Fifth Column”
“Ekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals and the center of the fifth column in Russia, continues to delight us with news. Thus, in the stronghold of the white-ribbon opposition from science - the Ural Federal University, immediately after the anti-Russian speeches of Professor Inozemtsev, supported by the rector of URFU Koksharov, the adherent of the liberal traitors Venediktov spoke out"
“On March 18 of this year, on the day of signing the documents on the annexation of Crimea to Russia, President Putin countered the statements and reactions of Western politicians: “Some Western politicians are already threatening us not only with sanctions, but also with the prospect of worsening internal problems. I would like to know: what do they mean? Are the actions of some “fifth column”, various kinds of national traitors, or are they counting on being able to worsen the socio-economic situation in Russia and thereby provoke people’s discontent?!”
“Representatives of the so-called Russian “opposition” (or “fifth column”) today are waging a targeted and systematic campaign to discredit Russian foreign policy, the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, and the values of the Russian World. To this end, a whole series of new statements are constantly being thrown into the information space, which cannot be ignored.”
“If initially the “fifth column,” controlled by the West, was limited primarily to peacekeeping statements, then recently it has finally dropped its masks and actually opened a second, subversive front on the territory of the Russian Federation.
The participation of representatives of the “fifth column” in direct armed actions against the Russian government is not necessary. It is enough that the “fifth column”: firstly, largely controls the Russian information space; secondly, using the influence of media persons in her orbit, she influences public opinion.”
Spanish Civil War
Lasted from July 1936 to April 1939. The Republicans representing the “left” Popular Front and the “conservatives” of General Franco opposed each other. The former were supported by all world democratic forces, including the USSR, the latter by fascist Italy and Germany. The war, naturally, was accompanied by all sorts of atrocities committed by both sides. The Frankists shot about 75 thousand enemies, the Republicans - about 50,000. 200,000 soldiers died in battle. 25,000 civilians - from hunger. The war ended with the victory of Franco's army.
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. To understand the essence of changes, you need to be well versed in terms that are a kind of “beacons” that strongly signal to ordinary citizens that events are rapidly gaining momentum. The expression “5th column” can easily be classified as such. What it is? Let's figure it out.
Excursion into history
To the uninitiated reader, who rarely listens to what news announcers are talking about, the phrase will seem quite ordinary. Something like discussions 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 were secret agents in the rear. Describing the situation in a radio speech, he said that in addition to four military columns, there was also a 5th 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 became a household word. Nowadays, it is rare for any citizen interested in events in the world to ask the question: “5th Column - what is it?” This is the name given to overt and hidden spies, traitors and saboteurs, some individuals capable of aiding the enemy. It is clear that a patriot will not want to be included in this “society”. The 5th column is people who under no circumstances can gain the trust of both the state and its citizens. They act based on narrow 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 collaborating with the “potential enemy”, which is now the collective West, is denounced with the unflattering title of “5th Column”. What it is, everyone interprets it in their own way, without caring about the emotions of the opponent. So it’s not far from a general “massacre”... But still, authoritative political scientists have quite clearly defined what the fifth column is in modern Russia.
First of all, all the white ribbon workers were included in the unpleasant list - those who took part in memorable events on Bolotnaya Square. These citizens, who have their own views on government policy (which they have every right to), are too active in criticizing the authorities, without offering effective “recipes” for treating “illnesses.” Their position is now out of favor with 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 overt opponents in the Russian Federation is much broader than the legal opposition. These include foreign citizens whose activities are clearly anti-government in nature. Basically, “adversaries” work with the population, sometimes creating uncontrollable discontent with the authorities. Any reason 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 our own people are a completely different conversation.
The 5th column attracts Russians to its ranks with the opportunity to earn a good income. There is no need to hide the fact that these people act in the interests of our opponents, whose sponsorship abilities are not yet limited. And the “approaches” to recruitment are very sophisticated. Citizens of the Russian Federation are confident that they have every right to their point of view. In order to turn an honest person into 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, without asking whether your goals are laid down as the basis by the organizers?
Why is the 5th column dangerous?
We must start with the fact that the basis of the influence of the fifth column is money. They are controlled by foreign citizens pursuing goals different from Russian ones. They do not always act illegally. Some of the work is carried out openly: publications in the media, financing of projects, organizing events aimed at highlighting the shortcomings of the social structure. Legal actions are completely democratic in nature. Only their goal, if we consider it 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 covertly. Slowly, but persistently, the column exerts its negative impact on the minds of citizens. Preparations are being made for a “turning point” when it will be possible to bring people into the streets demanding a change in power. Many specialists are involved in this activity, covering almost all segments of the population. The average person doesn’t have to go to rallies: representatives of the enemy camp are waiting for him on the Internet, on forums, and on social networks. Anti-state sentiments are injected into the people carefully and carefully so as not to cause rejection. This is why the hidden enemy is dangerous. Not everyone will be able to recognize his work, which means it will be difficult to navigate in time and repel the blow.
“The fifth column” is the name given to the internal enemies of the state, who, on orders from outside, are ready to try to strike at the most unprotected place, or to gradually undermine society from within.The history of the concept of "Fifth Column"
According to Wikipedia, during the reign of the odious dictator Mussolini, when the First World War was going on, he claimed to have a “fifth army” of German supporters in countries allied with the Entente.Some researchers allegedly name the creator of this expression, Emilio Mola, a Spanish general who commanded Franco's entire army during the most difficult Spanish Civil War in the entire history of the state.
According to unverified sources, during the capture of Madrid in 1936 year, he shared that in addition to four military columns, he also has a fifth column located in the city itself, which has the ability to effectively support the advancing troops.
Examples of using the expression "Fifth Column"
IN 2014 year 18 On March 1st, when the documents on the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula to the Russian Federation were signed, President Putin noted in his speech: " Some Western politicians are trying to intimidate us not only with serious sanctions, but also with the emergence of big problems within the country. I would like to understand what they mean? Some kind of actions of national traitors, the “Fifth Column”, or maybe they are counting on the fact that with the deterioration of the economic situation of the state, the people will begin to show their discontent?""Representatives of the liberal opposition, or as they are rightly called the “Fifth Column,” are currently waging a systematic and targeted campaign to discredit the foreign policy of the Russian Federation, the Lugansk and Donetsk people’s republics and the values of the entire Russian world. For this reason, there are regular injections into the information a space to which we need to react harshly."
"If at first the Fifth Column preferred to speak out in a peaceful manner, today it has revealed its true face to us and has actually begun to conduct subversive activities without hiding. There is no need for the Fifth Column to participate in direct armed conflicts against the Russian state. The fact that the enemies control almost all media".
Spanish Civil War
The fighting took place from 1936 year and ended in April 1939 year. The war was between the Conservatives, led by General Franco, and the Republicans, who represented the “left” Popular Front. If the former were supported only by fascist Germany and Italy, but the latter were supported by the entire progressive world community, including the USSR.
During this war, Franco's soldiers shot approximately 75 thousand of their enemies, and the Republicans executed about fifty thousand people. In the battles, according to researchers, about two hundred thousand soldiers died and 25 thousands of non-combatants died of starvation. General Franco was able to win this war.
What is the Fifth Column video
Recently, the phrase “fifth column” has begun to be used more and more often at all levels in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries of the post-Soviet space. What does it mean and what threat does it pose to society?
History of the term
The emergence of the expression in question is associated with the then republican regime opposed to the fascist General Franco. In 1936, the Francoist offensive began on the capital of Spain. To intimidate the enemy, a speech by one of the generals, dictator E. Mola, was broadcast on the radio. He said that in addition to four military columns marching on the city under the leadership of various generals, in Madrid itself there were adherents of the new regime who would speak out at the right time. He called these spies the “fifth column.” In Russia, both in the past and today, this image of an internal enemy is actively used. Let's take a historical excursion and find out what the fifth column in Russia is and does it really pose a real threat to the state?
Interference of foreign powers in the internal affairs of Russia
The fact that each state has its own geopolitical and economic interests is a long-known truth. But not everyone understands that a strong economically and politically Russia is an undesirable moment for many countries. Why? Yes, because the colossus of Russia, an unpredictable and strong state, frightens developed countries; they see it as a competitor who must be weakened at any cost. Therefore, advanced powers started wars by proxy (for example, the Russian-Turkish war of 1806-1812), and took an active part in domestic politics. For example, the coup d'état carried out by a handful of nobles in 1801 was directly paid for by England, and this is already a recognized fact. At that time there was no term “fifth column”, but its methods were used quite widely. Why did England need to get rid of Paul? But because he, in alliance with Napoleon, planned to organize a campaign in India and generally oppose England’s hegemony in the world. Skillfully taking advantage of the dissatisfaction of the nobles with the rule of Paul the First, Great Britain solved its problems with their hands.
Twentieth century
Let's move on to the twentieth century. Was there a fifth column in Russia in the last century? The First World War undermined its economy and provoked a new crisis. After the February Revolution, Nicholas turned to his relatives from the royal house of England with a request to accept his family, but was refused. Why? The weak Provisional Government could not cope with the situation in the country, and the allies demanded more and more offensives at the front. caused a civil war, foreigners immediately began to “help” the white movement. But did they really want to help? The words of the Russian white general are known that no one except the Russians needs a great Russia. The power of the Bolsheviks was supposed to destroy the country, but it didn’t quite work out that way. The created Union of Soviet Socialist Republics became a new giant, which, again, they were afraid of and dreamed of destroying and dividing. Its collapse had both internal and external reasons. It was not for nothing that the US President congratulated his people on winning the Cold War after the collapse of the USSR.
The other side of the coin
Despite the fact that the existing giant, the Soviet Union, frightened the developed countries, and, probably, they had their agents on its territory, the scale of the fight against “pests” exceeded all imaginable limits. “Enemies of the people” - this Soviet-era terminology may well replace the expression “fifth column”. These are the same agents of influence, working against their country for the benefit of another. Most of them have not only ideological motives, but also more mercantile ones - personal gain. However, during the Soviet era, many innocent people suffered as enemies of the people. In addition, the presence of an internal enemy can always be a good justification for any failure of government policies, an explanation for the existence of economic problems and a reason for the unity of citizens. Thus, the “fifth column” can be a good justification for tough policies for those in power.
Russia in the 90s
Keeping all of the above in mind, we will try to see the current political situation and determine whether it is possible to consider such a phenomenon as the “fifth column of Russia” in the current situation. One of the basic principles of dialectics requires studying a phenomenon in its development and historical context. Therefore, let's start with Russia's position in the world cannot be called anything other than weak. The foreign ministers who replaced “Mr. No” A. Gromyko made concessions on all the demands of the United States and the West, following the country’s leaders. In return, Russia received global recognition and, as Putin put it, the right to sit alongside the major powers at meetings of the G8 and the like.
Current political situation
There is an opinion about the sole control of world processes by the United States. There is enough evidence of this. But as soon as the Russian Federation began to declare its strategic interests and contradict the “world dictator,” they immediately started talking about a terrible, aggressive Russia. The situation today is such that the world community condemns the Russian Federation on all counts. At the same time, fear of the country and Putin personally is formed. What should the Russian government do in this situation? The choice can be this: come to terms with your position as a second-rate power and surrender to the mercy of the “winners” or defend your interests to the end. What is the fifth column in this situation? This is not just opposition, but forces that are weakening the state from within and rocking the political situation at a very dangerous time for the country. The situation is similar to the ideas of the “defeatists” during the First World War, who advocated the loss of their own state in the war.
Crimean crisis
Even before the spring of 2014, there was an opposition in Russia that opposed the existing political regime. Some of these forces legally participated in the political struggle through elections. The other, like the world-famous “Pussy Wright,” acts with the help of PR campaigns, running into trouble and presenting the actions of the authorities as an attack against freedom of speech. The protest in Moscow, organized by A. Navalny’s allies, was a more serious attempt to raise discontent in society. But it was only in connection with the Crimean issue that the term “fifth column” came to life again. By and large, it included everyone who opposed it. This rather large group included a completely motley public who had ambivalent assessments of the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.
Attempts to compile a list of fifth columns
So, most of the Russian population and political leaders welcomed the annexation of part of Ukraine in the form of Crimea to Russia. That is why the attitude towards people who expressed their protest against the actions of the Russian authorities was so clearly negative. There are not so many of them, but nevertheless, many of them are quite influential people. There are four deputies in the lower house of parliament: Valery Zubov, Ilya Ponomarev, Sergei Petrov and Dmitry Gudkov. They were joined by Nemtsov, Yavlinsky, Novodvorskaya. A big surprise was the position of everyone’s favorite artists, such as Yu. Shevchuk, who immediately spoke out against the invasion of Russian troops in Crimea, considering everything that happened an annexation. Many of the representatives of our creative elite were afraid that in this way a war would break out between Ukraine and Russia. Apparently, BG also wrote about this on his Facebook page, calling on peoples not to quarrel. In the meantime, the war is going on in the Ukrainian east. The issue with Crimea hangs in the air.
The Reality of the Enemy Within
The presence of opposition in society is a normal phenomenon. Any democracy stands for pluralism, including opinions. The use of state coercive measures against dissidents is a sign of totalitarianism. Can we say that the authorities are persecuting, for example, the Okean Elzy group or other groups and individuals who oppose the prevailing policy? The artists themselves deny this fact. But something else is happening. Various social forces, sometimes even of a very extremist nature, are trying to unleash persecution of the so-called fifth column. At the same time, public opinion can criticize any position, including the opposition. But the very widespread use of the term “fifth column” in the media and political debates - what is this if not an escalation of social tension and a call to fight pests, enemies of the people, cosmopolitans, and so on?
Fifth column
Fifth column
From Spanish: Quinta columna.
It is generally accepted that this expression is from a radio speech (autumn, 1936) by the Spanish general Emilio Mola (1887-1937), who during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) led the offensive of the Franco rebels against Republican Madrid. In it, he said, making threats against the residents of Republican Madrid, that, in addition to the four army columns at his disposal heading towards Madrid, there was also a fifth - in the city itself. These are Franco's secret supporters who will stab the Republicans in the back when a decisive attack on the city begins.
Another version is that E. Mola said these words at his headquarters during a meeting with foreign journalists.
There is a third version of the origin of this phrase: the English journalist Lord St. Oswald claimed that the expression “fifth column” first appeared in his telegram from Madrid sent to the editorial office of the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph in September 1936.
But be that as it may, even during the years of the Spanish Civil War, the concept of “fifth column” began to be associated with the name of General Mola. Thus, Dolores Ibarruri in the article “Defense of Madrid - Defense of Spain” (gaz. “Mundo Obrero” dated October 3, 1936) wrote: “The traitor Mola said that he would throw “four columns” at Madrid, but only the “fifth” would begin offensive (...) The “fifth column” is located inside Madrid, and first of all it is necessary to defeat it.”
The popularity of the expression was promoted by Ernest Hemingway's play The Fifth Column (1938).
Used: as a collective name for spies, saboteurs - * everyone who acts secretly, treacherously, waiting for an opportune moment to openly speak out.
Encyclopedic Dictionary of winged words and expressions. - M.: “Locked-Press”. Vadim Serov. 2003.
Fifth column
Initially, this was the name given to spies, saboteurs and saboteurs who supported the counter-revolutionary Franks during the years of the Spanish Republic’s struggle against them (1936-1939). This expression belongs to the Spanish general Emilius Mola, who commanded the counter-revolutionary army. Advancing on Madrid, he radioed in the fall of 1936 an appeal to the population of the capital, in which he stated that, in addition to the four army columns at his disposal, he had a fifth column in Madrid itself. According to the fifth column, which carried out subversive espionage work in Madrid, this began to be called the general secret agents of the enemy who help him with espionage, sabotage and sabotage (A. Marjoric Taylor. The Languare of World War II. - New York, 1944, p. 28).
Dictionary of catch words. Plutex. 2004.
See what the “Fifth Column” is in other dictionaries:
In the Spanish Republic during the war of 1936 39 the name of General Franco's agents operated in the rear, while 4 columns of fascist rebels were advancing on Madrid. During the 2nd World War, the fifth column was the conventional name for the fascist... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
- “FIFTH COLUMN”, in the Spanish Republic during the war of 1936 39 the name of the agents of General Franco, acted in the rear, while 4 columns of fascist rebels advanced on Madrid. During the 2nd World War, the “fifth column” was the code name... encyclopedic Dictionary
In the Spanish Republic during the war of 1936 39 the name of General Franco's agents operated in the rear, while 4 columns of fascist rebels were advancing on Madrid. During the 2nd World War, the “fifth column” was the conventional name for the fascist... ... Political science. Dictionary.
- ... Wikipedia
The name of Franco's agency operating in Spain. republic during the national revolutionary war 1936 39. The term P. k. arose in the beginning. Oct. 1936, when the Francoist gen. Mola announced on the radio that the rebels were attacking Madrid in four columns... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia
fifth column- The name of Nazi agents in various countries, which carried out sabotage and espionage activities, sowed panic, engaged in sabotage and helped the capture of these countries by German troops. The term fifth column first came into use in... Encyclopedia of the Third Reich
In the Spanish Republic during the war of 1936 39 the name of General Franco's agents operated in the rear, while 4 columns of fascist rebels were advancing on Madrid. During World War II, the “Fifth Column” was the conventional name for the fascist... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
Fifth column- About traitors, traitors who are maintained by hostile states and used for espionage, sabotage and corruption of the spirit of the population of one or another warring country. In every country where Hitlerism had access, a spy service was created... ... Phraseological Dictionary of the Russian Literary Language
- (“Fifth Column”) the name of General Franco’s agents operating in the Spanish Republic during the National Revolutionary War of 1936 39. The term “P. To." arose in early October 1936, when Francoist General E. Mola declared... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Publ. Disapproved Secret agents of the enemy are spies, saboteurs, saboteurs, traitors. /i> Expression of the Francoist army general Emilio Mola, who announced during the attack on Madrid (1938) that in addition to four army columns he had in the city... ... Large dictionary of Russian sayings
Books
- "Fifth Column" and the Russian Church. A century of persecution and schisms, Shambarov Valery Evgenievich. When the USSR collapsed, one of the main organizers of this operation, Zbigniew Brzezinski, said: “We now have one enemy - the Russian Orthodox Church.” Although it is from the communist authorities...