CH - 2 End of Bipolarity Ques/Ans

Emergence of USSR

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Founded after the Socialist revolution (or Russian revolution) of 1917 in Russia.
Revolution was inspired by a need for an egalitarian society and ideals of socialism. Biggest attempt in history to abolish the system of private property and establish a society based on principles of equality
The USSR gave priority to the state and was centred around the Communist Party.
Allowed for no other party or opposition
The state controlled and planned the economy
Warsaw pact - a group of east European countries that were liberated from fascist forces by the Soviet army were now under their control and their political and economic systems were modelled after Soviet systems
Became a great power
The world became bipolar with two alliances - The western alliance (US) and Eastern Alliance (USSR)
USSR's economy became the second largest in the world (right after the USA)
Citizens were ensured minimum living standards
The dominant form of ownership - state ownership
final power rested with the government

Change in condition

Beginning:
- USSR's economy - the second largest in the world
- machinery production, fast transport systems, complex communication networks, energy resources - oil, iron, steel
- domestic consumer industry produced everything (although not as good in quality as western products)
- Citizens were ensured a basic standard of living
- No unemployment
- Basic necessities subsidised
- the dominant form of ownership - state ownership
- final power rested with the state

Change in condition:
- Became authoritarian and bureaucratic
- lack of democracy
- an absence of freedom of speech
- One-party system - the Communist Party of the Soviet Union - did not allow for the opposition, not answerable to the people, did not listen to the growing need for countries to handle their own affairs, and had tight control over industries
- Russia - in theory: one of the 15 states - in reality: dominant - other states felt neglected
- US and USSR started an arms race
- USSR lagged behind in - technology, and infrastructure, and failed to meet the aspirations of people
- 1979: Invaded Afghanistan - weakened system further, food imports increased, shortages in all consumer goods
- late 1970s - Soviet economy faltered and became stagnant

How was the USSR born?

After the socialist revolution in Russia, inspired by ideas of socialism and the need for an egalitarian society, USSR was born in 1917. It was the biggest attempt to abolish the institution of private property in history.

Define the term 'second world or socialist bloc'

The Second World or Socialist bloc was a group of East-European countries that were liberated from fascist forces by the Soviet army post World War II and came under the USSR's control. They were held together by the Warsaw Pact and their economic and political systems were modeled after USSR.

Describe the largest garage sale in history.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, as a consequence of shock therapy, Russia's large state-controlled industrial complex almost collapsed. 90% of industries were up for sale to private individuals and companies. Since the restructuring was carried out through market forces and not by government-directed industrial policies, it led to the disappearance of entire industries. Valuable industries were sold at throwaway prices. This is called 'The largest garage sale in history'. The citizens were even given vouchers to participate in the sale which many sold on the black market.

Write some points on the revival program of Russian economy.

Most post-soviet economies, especially the Russian economy, started reviving in 2000 due to the export of natural resources like oil, minerals, and natural gas and restarting of manufacturing industries.

Define the term 'Multipolar world order' with reference to India's foreign policy with Russia.

Indo-Russian relations are the strongest. They share a vision of a multipolar world with the co-existence of several powers in the international system, collective security, greater regionalism, and individual foreign policies for all countries. This would allow for negotiated settlements for international conflicts. They wished for decision-making through bodies like the UN to be strengthened, democratized, and empowered.

Mention any three features that distinguish the Soviet economy from that of a capitalist country like the US.

USSR's economy was the second largest economy after the US. Soviet economy was influenced by themes of socialism and capitalism while the US economy is entirely capitalistic and privatized. Three features that separate the Soviet economy from the US economy are:

1. Soviet economy experienced a complex communication network, vast energy resources, and an efficient transport sector to connect its remotest areas.
2. Soviet Union industries produced every domestic product from pins to cars, whose quality might not match that of western technology.
3. The Soviet Union ensured a minimum standard of living for all its citizens. There was an absence of unemployment and basic necessities like health, education, and children, and the welfare schemes were all subsidized.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the Soviet economy and capitalism was that all land and productive assets were owned by the state only. This made all the aforementioned points possible too.

What were the factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate the reforms in the USSR?

Mikhail Gorbachev was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985. He was forced to initiate the reforms in the USSR due to the following reasons:

- To keep the USSR abreast of information and technological revolutions at par with the West.
- To normalise the relations with that of the West
- To democratize the Soviet System
- To loosen the administrative system which exempted people from the privileges.

What were the major consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union for countries like India?

The major consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union for countries like India were:

- Disintegration of the Soviet Union gave an end to Cold War confrontations and to ideological disputes between the two superpowers.