Former Soviet Union example essay topic

When on December 21, 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist and broke into a fragmented group of independent countries (Byrnes), the world breathed a sigh of relief. Another horrible communist country had finally seen the light and given way to the western beliefs of capitalism and democratic government. But was this really the best thing to happen to an already unstable country Some say yes, because the socialist beliefs and oppression are finally gone. Others say no, because even though capitalism is present, the countries weren t ready for it and have suffered because of it. One thing is for sure though. The economy of the former U.S.S.R. is on the brink of disaster with no apparent escape in the near future (Lucas).

The Russian economy has seen a huge decrease in productivity. In the late 1980's, the per capita income was about $8700 (Byrnes). Compared to the $2,466 of 1997 (World in figures), this change is painfully evident. This, some believe, is ultimately leading to the disintegration of Russia. The government is printing more and more unbacked money, leading to worthless currency (Lucas).

The situation is even compared to Germany during Hitler's rise. Startling similarities are present. Hyperinflation is making the currency worthless. Once a great power, the country feels beaten down, and its weak democracy may soon be crushed by a hybrid of nationalism and socialism. Is this Russia in the 1990's Or Germany on the eve of Hitler taking power It could be either.

(Caryl) This opinion of the impending demise of Russia is not alone. According to Edward Lucas, 1999 will be the year of Russia's disintegration. Bill Powell also agrees. With the murder of Galina Starovoitova, one of Russia's original democrats, he wonders Whether democracy is dead as well. So, based o these facts, I believe that the former Soviet Union was better off as the Soviet Union. Unemployment was nonexistent, because every able bodied person was guaranteed a job.

(Byrnes) The socialist government was not a good one on the perspective of the West, but I do not believe that they were ready for capitalist economy. What to do about the current situation is uncertain. But one fact remains: something has to be done. The west cannot stand by and watch one of the former world powers die while trying to assimilate to our ways. Beyond the moral aspects lie the more urgent problem of the possibility of the offshoot countries utilizing their nuclear weapons to gain power.

The thought of an imploding Russia, with nuclear weapons on the loose and perhaps xenophobic nationalist forces vying for power, is a nightmare for the West. (Marcus) It is also believed that the Russian people, for the most part, are longing for the totalitarian past. "The desire for security, for law and order, probably outweighs the desire for freedom". (Caryl) So if nothing is done, the totalitarian government, with its characteristic oppression, will probably take over once again. I believe that outside economic support is the only way to help stabilize the catastrophic economy and social structure. Only by giving the impoverished people a way to see capitalism as a good thing will they be willing to accept it over the traditional ways of socialism.

Overall, I believe that the Soviet Union was better off as it was before the breakup. While freedom is a wonderful thing, one must ask: Is it better to starve free or live a better life with fewer rights I believe that living is a better choice. But since the Soviet Union is now free, the West must help to stabilize the countries through economic support until they can get back on their feet and utilize the new found freedom. If this is not done, the former Soviet Union will become the Soviet Union once again, and another vicious cycle of wars and oppression will start again.

Bibliography

Byrnes, Robert F.U.S.S. R Encarta 97 Encyclopedia. CD-ROM. Microsoft, 1996 Caryl, Christian.
Is this Weimar Russia U.S. News Online. 11/16/98 Online. Internet. Available: web Lucas, Edward. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold. The World In 1999.
The Economist Newspaper Limited, 1998.
pgs 60-61. Marcus, Jonathan. Keeping Russia afloat. BBC 17 August 1998.
Online. Internet. Available: web russia crisis / new sid 152000/152621.
stm Powell, Bill. Requiem for Reform. Newsweek Dec 7, 1998: 38-41 The World in Figures: Countries The World In 1999.