Chapter 9-1 Notes (A Changing Russia) Changing Politics and Society Russia is a federal republic w/power divided by national/regional. It has shifted from a command to a market economy, introducing privatization. Russians have more political freedoms and contact w/ other cultures. Consumerism, the desire to buy goods, has led to the emergence of the middle class. Today, Russians face unemployment and underemployment. Many pensioners are unable to afford goods and services. Ethnic Russians have left the former republics where they are no longer welcomed.

Russia’s Economic Regions Moscow is the political, economic, and transportation center. Its manufacturing has shifted from heavy to light industry. St Petersburg is a cultural center attracting many tourists. St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad, located on the Baltic Sea, are important ports used for shipping. The Volga River is vital for farming and manufacturing. The Urals contain important minerals and energy resources. Siberia has a large supply of iron ore, uranium, gold, and coal. Timber is harvested from the taiga. Its cold, rugged landscape makes it difficult to get these resources.

Chapter 9-2 Notes (Issues and Challenges) Political and Economic Challenges The president can issue decrees w/out legislative approval. Putin organized the country into 7 large districts which governors were chosen by him. (biased) Many Russian politicians ignore democratic practices. Shifting to a market economy have caused incomes to rise and higher prices for its oil/gas exports. Incomes in Moscow are much higher than other regions. Unfortunately, oligarchs hold much of the power and are often corrupt business leaders. Many don’t trust the banking system which has hurt the economy.

Russia’s Challenges as a World Power Regional rivalries have arose since the fall of the Soviet Union. Separatist movements to break away (Chechnya) are more common. A world power, it has supported the fight against global terrorism. U.S. concerned about in increasing power of Russia’s president. It wants to have more influence over its former Soviet republics which concerns the neighboring countries. (Ukraine) Many of the countries depend on Russia for its oil and natural gas.