Putins Russia and the new cold war Flashcards
When did the Eastern bloc collapse?
1989
When did the USSR collapse?
1991
When did challenges to Russias own federal existence begin?
1990s/ 2000’s
Who is Yuri Andropov?
Chairman of the KGB between 1967- 1982
He was the general secretary of the Central committee of the communist part of the Soviet union
Who is Lavrentiy Beria?
Chief of the secret and security policy system (NVKD) under Joseph Stalin in the 1930s and 40s
-Deputy premier from 1946- 53
Who is Mikhail Gorbachev?
Last leader of the Soviet Union between (1985 - 1999)
He led the reforms Glasnost and Perestroika
Who is Boris Yeltsin and what happened in Yeltsin’s decade?
First president of the Russian federation
between (1991- 1999)
- His plan was to transform Russian socialist economy and create a capitalist market economy but this created Economic shock which led to price liberalisation and nationwide privatisation.
- There was a loss of state power, rise of oligarchs and lots of economic and social problems
Who is Vladmir Putin?
He is the current president, EX KGB
“Tsar of the new Russia”
-He resurrected Russias pride, new sense of direction and strategy especially after Yeltsin’s disastrous decade
What does Vladmir Putin aim to build?
A statist, patriotic politics and a new authoritarianism
What are Putin’s key tools internally and internationally?
Internally: control of state mechanisms
Internationally: Oil and gas pipelines and army presence
What does Merridale (2009) say?
It is the Kremlins view that Russia needs a coherent story and that the tale should not only encourage romantic patriotism, but it should, in the process justify the kind of centralised government that Putin and his aides desire
What is Putin’s strategic aim?
To regain control of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and rebuild Russia’s sphere of influence
What does Putins strategic aim mean?
- It means fueling conflicts within ex soviet states (e.g Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova)
- Resisting the US Missile shield in CEE
- Using oil and gas pipelines as strategic weapons, controlling the price and flow to Europe and Central & Eastern Europe
- Reforming and rebuilding the Russian Army; Investing in the space race, cyber warfare and technology
- Taking a much more dynamic (tough) approach to international affairs; shutting opposing voices; controlling domestic politics and oligarchs
Who is Roman Abramovich?
He is on the 8 oligarchs
“Putins son”
He was worth $7 billion in 2016 and the 151st richest man in the world, 13th in Russia
-Small private army of 40
-He is the owner of Chelsea football club, based in London
-He is the ex -business partner of Berezovsky
-He is involved in theft, fraud, antitrust law violation scandals and aluminium wars
Who is Mikhail Khodorkovsky?
He was the most successful oligarch of the 90s
He bought Yukos in 1995
Controlled 17% of Russian oil exports
In the early 2000’s he was the wealthiest man in Russia
2003: Arrested on Putin’s orders for tax fraud; Yukos shares collapsed he was imprisoned in labour camp for 9 years and was convicted for money laundering in second trial