This thesis examines Russian organized crime and its affect on the stability of Russia. There have been numerous assertions by US policy makers that Russian organized crime affects the national security of the United States, so that aspect will also be analyzed. This research examines the structure of organized crime and the illegal activities it engages in. Then, it determines whether the Russian law enforcement system is capable of stopping crime. It also evaluates the threat organized crime poses regarding nuclear smuggling which is considered the most serious threat to US national security. Finally, and most importantly, it puts Russian organized crime in perspective to US national security interests. It concludes that Russian organized crime does threaten the stability of Russia, but it will not destroy the Russian state. Helping Russia fight its organized crime problem is in the interests of the United States and is compatible with the stated foreign policy objectives of the United States.