Modern Russia

U.S.-Soviet DÉTENTE 1. What does détente mean?  The relaxation of strained relations 2. Why did Pres. Nixon push this policy?  The fight against communism in Vietnam was a disaster; threat of nuclear warfare. 3. What changes took place b/w the superpowers after the SALT treaties?  Making of nuclear arms drastically reduced; observation of each other; space exploration 4. Why & when did this era end?  Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979/1980; Reagan elected (staunch opponent of U.S.S.R.)

1980s 1. Who did the grain embargo most greatly affect & why? Soviets bought most of their grain from the U.S. during Détente…..grain embargo stops trade……American farmers lose money/Soviet people lose major source of food.Soviets bought most of their grain from the U.S. during Détente…..grain embargo stops trade……American farmers lose money/Soviet people lose major source of food. 2. What was the US response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan? 1980 Olympics in Moscow are boycotted to send a message….hurts expected income from Olympics…. Détente ends1980 Olympics in Moscow are boycotted to send a message….hurts expected income from Olympics…. Détente ends 3. What was Reagan’s viewpoint on the USSR & what campaigns did he put into place? U.S.S.R. was seen as the “Evil Empire;” military and arms race picks back up; space race.U.S.S.R. was seen as the “Evil Empire;” military and arms race picks back up; space race.

MIKHAIL GORBACHEV 1. List a minimum of 4 things Gorbachev believed/did differently from former leaders? Urges relationship with West; the fight against Alcoholism; doesn’t use military force to keep power; emphasizes greater research and technology. Urges relationship with West; the fight against Alcoholism; doesn’t use military force to keep power; emphasizes greater research and technology. 2. What does perestroika & glasnost mean? How did they weaken the central government.? Restructuring and Openness; introduction of free market and democracy; communist regimes are extinguished.Restructuring and Openness; introduction of free market and democracy; communist regimes are extinguished. 3. What symbolized the collapse of communism in C & E Europe? How did it affect the USSR?  Fall of the Berlin Wall….Soviets lose grip on Eastern Europe, which results in declaration of Independence from many Soviet republics….Gorbachev doesn’t use force to keep them.

Boris Yeltsin 1. What did early company privatization look like in Yeltsin’s era? Oligarchs bought all of the formerly state-owned businesses at extremely cheap prices….prevented any competition; had close ties to political figures; Russian people hated these groupsOligarchs bought all of the formerly state-owned businesses at extremely cheap prices….prevented any competition; had close ties to political figures; Russian people hated these groups 2. Describe the econ. changes/crisis that took place during his reform years. Most businesses owned by small groups….prices and taxes rise…..businesses evade taxes, leading to workers without pay.Most businesses owned by small groups….prices and taxes rise…..businesses evade taxes, leading to workers without pay. 3. What was the common public opinion of Yeltsin when he left office? Inept and incompetent-had medical problems and abused alcohol; cared only for the wealthy; corrupt.Inept and incompetent-had medical problems and abused alcohol; cared only for the wealthy; corrupt.

VLADIMIR PUTIN 1. How did Putin change the impact of the oligarchs/elite?  Took apart the companies owned by oligarchs; arrested many of the oligarch members who spoke against/opposed him. 2. List 3 ways Putin threatened democracy in Russia. Censored media (govt. controlled television and newspapers); stopped elections of governors….now the President appoints them; opposition threatened (Anna Politkovskaya)Censored media (govt. controlled television and newspapers); stopped elections of governors….now the President appoints them; opposition threatened (Anna Politkovskaya) 3. What actions/characteristics make Putin popular in public opinion?  The economy is greatly improved, his leadership is stable, people treated more fairly than with Yeltsin, only favorable publicity shown.

DMITRI MEDVEDEV 1. What is significantly different b/w Medvedev and former leaders? No ties to KGB or communist partiesNo ties to KGB or communist parties 2. Describe three positive actions he has done either domestically or internationally. Reforms to judicial system; raising birth rate; helped build gas line in KosovoReforms to judicial system; raising birth rate; helped build gas line in Kosovo 3. How much of a role does Putin play in Medvedev’s presidency?  Putin is the prime Minister….some people see Putin as the one running the show…..Medvedev was under Putin when he was President…..Medvedev says he will not run against Putin if he decides to run for president.

Current Social and Economic Standing 1. What are the factors attributed to falling life expectancies and BRs? Alcoholism; no more free health care/ vaccinations; poor environment (from USSR); People not having kids because of current standing.Alcoholism; no more free health care/ vaccinations; poor environment (from USSR); People not having kids because of current standing. 2. Describe the types of business corruption that take place in Russia. Business owners pay mafia protection $; bribes for corrupt govn’t officials  allow for lots of tax evasion, extortion etc.Business owners pay mafia protection $; bribes for corrupt govn’t officials  allow for lots of tax evasion, extortion etc.

Chechnya and Georgia 1. What are 2 ways the conflict in Georgia is related to the conflict in Chechnya? Chechen refugees & rebels fled to Georgia bringing them in to conflict; South Ossetia is trying to break free from Georgia (they fight back) just like Chechnya is trying to break from RussiaChechen refugees & rebels fled to Georgia bringing them in to conflict; South Ossetia is trying to break free from Georgia (they fight back) just like Chechnya is trying to break from Russia 2. Compare the reaxns of Russia’s public opinion to that of outsiders over the event in Chechnya. World disapproves of Russia aggressiveness; but Russian ppl want strong force b/c of massacresWorld disapproves of Russia aggressiveness; but Russian ppl want strong force b/c of massacres 3. How is the Chechnya-Russia conflict similar to conflicts in the ME & the former Yugoslavia? Both of religious & ethnic differences; places to want freedom, but denied and violence breaks outBoth of religious & ethnic differences; places to want freedom, but denied and violence breaks out