bespredel

Noun

bespredel (uncountable)

1. A fundamental breakdown in the established norms of a society, due to its citizens no longer having a collective understanding of the customs, values or institutions of that society; particularly in a Russian or post-Soviet context.
   • In the Russian Far East, for example, vory took it on themselves to punish not only criminals unaffiliated with their organizations but also those members of their own society who committed acts of bespredel, extreme violence that was forbidden under the code—for example, brutally attacking or...2015, Svetlana Stephenson, “6. THE GANG IN THE COMMUNITY”, in Gangs of Russia. From the Streets to the Corridors of Power, Cornell University Press, →DOI, pages 152–153, 154–155
   • When asked of his understanding of bespredel at the bazaar, or mafia-related lawlessness, Adyl, a similarly aged trader originally from Osh confirmed what most other traders stated: there is not that kind of bespredel at the bazaar.2017, Regine A. Spector, “6. Becoming Trading Elders and Local Authorities”, in Order at the Bazaar. Power and Trade in Central Asia, Cornell University Press, →DOI, page 150