The KGB, or Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti, was the primary security agency of the Soviet Union from 1954 to 1991. Established after the reorganization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) following the death of Lavrentiy Beria, it served as the "sword and shield of the Communist Party" [1][2]. The KGB was responsible for foreign intelligence, domestic counterintelligence, and protecting the political leadership, playing a crucial role in suppressing ideological subversion and dissent within the Soviet Union [2][5]. **History and Achievements:** - The KGB was formed in 1954, evolving from earlier agencies like the Cheka and NKVD [5]. - It expanded its foreign intelligence operations, becoming one of the world's largest intelligence services during the Cold War [2]. - Notable achievements include infiltrating Western intelligence agencies and obtaining advanced technology for Soviet military development [2]. **Key Aspects:** - The KGB was highly centralized, with a strong presence in Moscow, and operated with significant autonomy from other government bodies [3][6]. - It was involved in international events like the Hungarian Revolution and the Prague Spring [5]. **Current Status:** - Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the KGB was dissolved and replaced by successors such as the FSB and SVR [1][4]. **Notable Aspects:** - The KGB was infamous for its surveillance and suppression of dissidents, including notable figures like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Andrey Sakharov [2]. - Its legacy continues to influence modern Russian intelligence agencies, maintaining a strong presence in global espionage and security matters. While the KGB's primary focus was on state security rather than business or technology, its activities had significant impacts on international relations and global politics, making it a fascinating subject for those interested in geopolitical dynamics.