chapter 14-15 Flashcards
(22 cards)
Collapse of civic virtue
A breakdown in societal values and public ethics, often leading to increased corruption and weakened governance.
Boris Yeltsin
The first President of the Russian Federation (1991–1999), known for pushing market reforms and dismantling Soviet structures.
State Committee on the Emergency Situation
A group of hardline Soviet officials who attempted a coup in August 1991 to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
A regional organization of former Soviet republics formed in 1991 to facilitate cooperation after the USSR’s dissolution.
Glasnost
A Soviet policy initiated by Gorbachev in the 1980s, promoting openness, transparency, and freedom of information.
Perestroika
Gorbachev’s policy of economic and political restructuring in the Soviet Union aimed at reforming the stagnant economy.
New thinking
Gorbachev’s foreign policy approach, emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation over Cold War hostilities.
Democratization
The process of introducing democratic principles, including multi-party elections, into Soviet and post-Soviet governance.
Shock therapy
An economic approach that rapidly transitions a state-controlled economy to a free-market system, as attempted in Russia in the 1990s.
Yegor Gaidar
Russian economist and acting Prime Minister in 1992, known for implementing shock therapy reforms in Russia.
New Russians
A term for wealthy Russians who rapidly gained wealth and status in the chaotic post-Soviet market economy.
Oligarchs
Powerful business magnates in post-Soviet Russia, who acquired significant political influence and wealth during privatization.
Russian mafia
Criminal organizations that gained power and influence during Russia’s economic transition in the 1990s.
Memorial
A Russian human rights organization focused on documenting Soviet political repression and preserving historical memory.
Viktor Chernomyrdin
Russian Prime Minister from 1992 to 1998, noted for his moderate stance and role in economic reform efforts.
Alexander Rutskoi
Russian Vice President (1991–1993) who opposed Yeltsin’s economic reforms and was involved in the 1993 constitutional crisis.
Russia’s Choice
A liberal political bloc led by Yegor Gaidar in the 1993 Russian parliamentary elections, advocating for market reforms.
Cronyism
Favoritism in the distribution of political and economic resources, often seen in Russia’s post-Soviet period.
Gennady Zyuganov
Leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, an influential opposition figure in post-Soviet politics.
General Alexander Lebed
A prominent Russian military officer and politician known for his efforts to reduce crime and advocate for military reform.
Grigory Yavlinsky
Russian economist and founder of the Yabloko party, advocating for democratic reforms and human rights.
START I and II
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties between the US and USSR/Russia aimed at reducing nuclear weapons arsenals.
