Chapter 9

Eurasia Key Terms Study Notes

Russia / Environment & Issues

  • Chernobyl

    • Definition: Site of a 1986 nuclear disaster in Ukraine that caused widespread environmental and health damage.

    • Details: The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, when reactor number four at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant exploded, releasing large quantities of radioactive particles into the atmosphere.

    • Impact: Long-term effects include increased cancer rates, and it led to the evacuation of over 100,000 residents from surrounding areas, creating a permanent exclusion zone.

  • Human Trafficking

    • Definition: Illegal trade of people for forced labor or exploitation.

    • Details: This can involve sex trafficking, labor exploitation, and can affect men, women, and children globally.

    • Connections: Human trafficking is often linked to issues of poverty, lack of education, and political instability.

  • Iron Curtain

    • Definition: Political and ideological division between Eastern (communist) and Western Europe during the Cold War.

    • Details: The term symbolizes the barrier to communication and interaction between communist and capitalist countries and represented a significant ideological conflict post-World War II.

    • Historical Context: Coined by Winston Churchill in a speech in 1946, it marked the beginning of the Cold War era.

Russia / Geography & Population

  • Microregions

    • Definition: Small, highly developed areas within a larger country that have strong economic activity.

    • Examples: Areas like Moscow and St. Petersburg, which show disproportionate economic development compared to the rest of Russia.

  • Northern Sea Route (NSR)

    • Definition: Shipping route along Russia’s Arctic coast that is becoming more usable due to melting ice.

    • Details: The NSR offers a shorter path between Europe and Asia, reducing travel time for shipping companies but raises concerns over environmental protection and indigenous rights.

Economy / Resources

  • Oligarchs

    • Definition: Very wealthy individuals in Russia who gained power and influence after the fall of the Soviet Union.

    • Details: These individuals often involved in politics and the economy in Russia, they control major industries and have significant political influence.

    • Implications: The rise of oligarchs has contributed to economic inequality and corruption, influencing government policies and societal structures.

Study Breakdown

  • Cold War / Political History

    • Main term: Iron Curtain

  • Modern Russia Issues

    • Key terms: Oligarchs, Human Trafficking

  • Geography & Environment

    • Focus areas: NSR, Chernobyl