Eurasia Lecture Notes

A collection of flashcards based on key concepts and information from the Eurasia lecture notes.

What is St. Petersburg often referred to as and who founded it?

St. Petersburg is often called Russia's most beautiful city, founded by Tsar Peter the Great.

What environmental issues plague many areas within Eurasia?

Air, water, toxic chemical, and nuclear pollution from the Soviet era.

What influences shaped urban landscapes in Eurasia?

Imperial, socialist, and post-communist influences.

What significant cultural groups exist within Eurasia?

Dominance of Slavic cultural influences and various non-Slavic minorities.

How has Vladimir Putin's presidency affected Russia's political power?

Putin has consolidated power, limiting democratic freedoms and inciting instability in Ukraine.

What economic challenges did Eurasia face between 2013 and 2016?

Lower energy prices, global economic sanctions, and war in Ukraine impacted the economy.

When and why was the Church of the Savior of Spilled Blood completed?

It was completed in 1907 as part of St. Petersburg's ornate architecture.

What is the population of Slavic Russia as mentioned in the lecture?

144 million.

What are some factors influencing migration patterns in Eurasia?

Economic, political, and cultural motivations, including war and regional instability.

How did Soviet industrialization impact the environment?

It led to severe pollution and environmental degradation across the region.

What is the significance of the Ural Mountains in Russia?

They separate European Russia from Siberia and contain valuable mineral resources.

How has Russia's economy been impacted after the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Transitioned from a centralized economy to a mixed economy, facing instability and corruption.

What recent geopolitical issues have arisen in Ukraine?

Russian annexation of Crimea and conflict with Russian-backed rebels in the east have caused instability.

What two countries are primarily focused on in the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project?

Azerbaijan and Georgia, enhancing trade links with China and Europe.

Describe the environmental legacy of the Soviet Union as discussed in the lecture.

Polluted rivers, poor air quality, toxic waste, and nuclear hazards remain significant challenges.

What is St. Petersburg often referred to as and who founded it?

St. Petersburg is often called Russia's most beautiful city, founded by Tsar Peter the Great.

What environmental issues plague many areas within Eurasia?

Air, water, toxic chemical, and nuclear pollution from the Soviet era.

What influences shaped urban landscapes in Eurasia?

Imperial, socialist, and post-communist influences.

What significant cultural groups exist within Eurasia?

Dominance of Slavic cultural influences and various non-Slavic minorities.

How has Vladimir Putin's presidency affected Russia's political power?

Putin has consolidated power, limiting democratic freedoms and inciting instability in Ukraine.

What economic challenges did Eurasia face between 2013 and 2016?

Lower energy prices, global economic sanctions, and war in Ukraine impacted the economy.

When and why was the Church of the Savior of Spilled Blood completed?

It was completed in 1907 as part of St. Petersburg's ornate architecture.

What is the population of Slavic Russia as mentioned in the lecture?

144 million.

What are some factors influencing migration patterns in Eurasia?

Economic, political, and cultural motivations, including war and regional instability.

How did Soviet industrialization impact the environment?

It led to severe pollution and environmental degradation across the region.

What is the significance of the Ural Mountains in Russia?

They separate European Russia from Siberia and contain valuable mineral resources.

How has Russia's economy been impacted after the collapse of the Soviet Union?

Transitioned from a centralized economy to a mixed economy, facing instability and corruption.

What recent geopolitical issues have arisen in Ukraine?

Russian annexation of Crimea and conflict with Russian-backed rebels in the east have caused instability.

What two countries are primarily focused on in the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project?

Azerbaijan and Georgia, enhancing trade links with China and Europe.

Describe the environmental legacy of the Soviet Union as discussed in the lecture.

Polluted rivers, poor air quality, toxic waste, and nuclear hazards remain significant challenges.

What geographical term refers to the combined continental landmass of Europe and Asia?

Eurasia.

What was a primary reason for the widespread environmental degradation caused by Soviet industrialization?

The emphasis on heavy industry and rapid economic growth often prioritized production over environmental protection, leading to significant pollution.

What type of cultural groups, in addition to Slavic influences, are noted as existing in Eurasia?

Various non-Slavic minorities.