# Remembering the 1990s without glorification or collective accusation This article on bratki and 1990s organised crime considers a historical milieu mainly through selected research on Russia. Fictional Nikolai in 1994 helps distinguish private protection, benefits, pressure and responsibility. It may help people reflecting on that period, relatives and readers seeking particular lives behind an era's vivid images. Inside: - Why do image and reputation establish no personal role? - How does benefit to one client differ from security for everybody? - Why are predictable rules different from justice? - How do early knowledge, later memory and actions remain distinct? - Why is old research no map of present networks? The article makes no uniform account of all post-Soviet countries, assesses no current safety and supplies no negotiation or exit instructions. ---