Modern Russian History and Leadership

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, figures, and historical events surrounding post-Soviet Russia, Boris Yeltsin, and Vladimir Putin.

Boris Yeltsin

The 1st President of Russia who oversaw privatization and the transition toward a capitalist economy.

Oligarchs

Powerful and rich Russian citizens who gained tremendous political sway due to privatization.

Privatization

Russia's sale of previously state-owned assets.

Shock Therapy

Russia's shift to a more capitalist/free-market economy, which was generally seen as a failure due to rising inflation and the loss of relied-upon socialist programs.

Duma

The legislative body that presented opposition to Boris Yeltsin, leading him to use military force to demonstrate his authority.

Energy

Russia's biggest assets, consisting of oil and gas.

Vladimir Putin

Former KGB Agent and Deputy Mayor of St. Petersburg who became Prime Minister and President of Russia.

Chechnya

A province that wanted to establish itself as free from Russian authority, which Putin quelled with force.

Grozny

The capital of Chechnya that was destroyed by force during Putin's conflict in the region.

Menedev

The leader appointed as President of Russia by Putin as part of Putin's strategy to consolidate power while serving as Prime Minister.

NATO

The Western organization seen by Russia as a threat that must be met.

Crimea

The territory annexed by Russia in 2014 as part of its expansion into Ukraine.

Ukraine

The country invaded by Russia in 2014 and 2022 in an effort to reunite all Russians, create buffers, and gain natural resources.