INTERNATIONAL – ASIA
8 SEPTEMBER 2025
- The USSR was formed in 1922 after the Russian Revolution (1917) and Civil War.
- It was a federal socialist state made up of 15 republics (Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic states, Central Asian states, etc.).
- By the 1980s, the USSR faced economic stagnation, political repression, and rising nationalist movements.
Causes of Disintegration
1. Economic Factors
- Centralized planning led to inefficiency and shortages.
- Arms race with the US drained resources.
- Living standards lagged far behind the West.
2. Political Factors
- Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms:
- Perestroika (restructuring): Economic reforms to allow limited market mechanisms.
- Glasnost (openness): Greater freedom of speech, criticism of the government.
- These reforms weakened Communist Party control and encouraged dissent.
3. Rise of Nationalism
- Republics like the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) demanded independence.
- Other republics (Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, etc.) also pushed for sovereignty.
4. International Pressure
- Costly war in Afghanistan (1979–1989) weakened the USSR.
- US President Ronald Reagan’s policies (arms buildup, “Star Wars” missile defense) increased strain.
- Eastern European states (Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, etc.) broke free from Soviet control in 1989.
5. Failed Coup (1991)
- In August 1991, hardline Communist leaders attempted a coup against Gorbachev.
- It failed due to resistance led by Boris Yeltsin (President of Russia).
- This discredited the Communist Party further.
Disintegration of USSR
- In December 1991, Republics declared independence.
- The Belavezha Accords (signed by Russia, Ukraine, Belarus) formally dissolved the USSR.
- The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was created.
- 25 December 1991: Gorbachev resigned as President of the USSR.
- 26 December 1991: The Soviet Union officially ceased to exist.
- 15 Independent Republics emerged: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.
- Russia inherited the USSR’s nuclear arsenal and UN Security Council seat.
- Transition to capitalism in many republics was chaotic, leading to economic crises in the 1990s.
