Contemporary Russia
Fall of the USSR, Chechnya and
other Stuff
The collapse of the Soviet Union
– Economic and political
collapse.
– Growth slowed rapidly starting
from the 1950s.
• Growth was around 10% in the
1950s, 7% in the 1960s, 5% in
the 1970s and 2% in the 1980s.
– Capital was sank in
unproductive activities (e.g.
military).
• The military race during the
Reagan administration may have
accelerated the downfall.
– The country simply went
bankrupt
Consequences of Collapse
• A sharp decline in agricultural
and industrial production:
– Economic output down by 4%
in 1990 & 10-15% in first half
of 1991.
• Intensification of ethnic
nationalism & separatism:
• Population and life
expectancy decline:
– The Russian population stood
at 144 million in 2002.
– Down 4.3 million from its peak
at the beginning of 1992.
Modern Concerns
• Natural resource
distribution
– Many natural resources now
in former soviet republics.
• National pride
– Determination to remain the
champion of Slavic
interests.
– Desire to remain a power in
international community.
• Forces pulling Russia apart
– Ethnic groups in Caucasus
regions desire
independence
Contemporary Russia
• Chechnya
– Chechens are a distinct Muslim
nation (Sunni).
– Opponents of the Russian conquest
of the Caucasus (19th century).
– Declaration of independence during
the Soviet Revolution (1917).
– Forcefully incorporated in the Soviet
Union (1924).
– Collaboration with German invaders
during WWII.
– Deportation of 400,000 Chechens
by Stalin (1944):
• More than 100,000 died in Siberia.
• Strong anti-Russian legacy.
– Declaration of independence
following the collapse of the Soviet
Union (1991).
Contemporary Russia
• Reasons why Chechnya
is not granted
independence
Russia
Caspian
Sea
Black Sea
Turkey
Georgia
Armenia
Azerbaijan
– Fear of a “domino effect”
among several small
political units within the
Russian federation.
– Russian pride to maintain
the integrity of the
continental empire.
– Significant natural
resources, including oil.
– Major oil pipeline going
through Chechnya.
Physiographic Regions of Russia