Repressive Practices of Opposing Sides in Kabarda during the Russian Revolution (1917–1920)

This article investigates the issues surrounding the application of repressive practices in Kabarda during the period of the revolution and the civil war from 1917 to 1920. It examines the factors that led to a transition toward violence among the opposing factions and the nature of its escalation. It is emphasized that the political actors who came to power primarily sought to eliminate their opponents, represented by the previous ruling elite, and subsequently targeted broad segments of the population as public protest activity and resistance to the prevailing political course increased. The article also elucidates the forms of repressive practices employed during this tumultuous period. The most severe of these was the physical elimination of political adversaries, a tactic utilized by both sides in the civil conflict within the region. Arrest and incarceration were also frequently employed. Other forms of repression, predominantly exercised by the Bolshevik regime, included the disenfranchisement of individuals, conscription for forced labor, and confiscation of property.