The Collapse of the Soviet Union: Causes and Impact

Introduction

The demise of the Soviet Union in the year 1991 was a historic disruption in the global socio – economic map. The USSR split into 15 different countries and decreased its power; this changed the face of the world. Understanding of the factors that led to the collapse of the civilization and how it manifested itself are discussed in this article. 

1. Economic Factors 

1. 1. Failing Economy 

• Post-World War II Burden: It is only important to note here that military spending was at its highest during World War II and this in a way had an impact on the Soviet economy. Reconstruction took much time to rebuild the infrastructure and the lack of resources led to poor productivity and relying. 
• Inadequate Reforms: It looks like the perestroika and glasnost of the then President Mikhail Gorbachev that intended to reform the économie were only strengthening its flaws. The problems of bureaucracy, corruption, and inefficiency remained with a new form of government getting established. 
• Market Practices: Market liberalism, high inflation rates and a rapidly declining ruble destabilized the economy. 

2. Political and Social Factors 

 2. 1. Gorbachev’s Reforms 

 Perestroika: The restructuring of the economy under Gorbachev endorsed some private business while distorting the control of central planning. 

• Glasnost: This was one main reason why people grew dissatisfied as with publicity of past tragedies they wanted a change. 
• Nationalism: Ethnic tensions egress, nationalist movements are increasing in the Baltic states as well as other parts of the former USSR. 

 3. Geopolitical Shifts 

 3. 1. The Cold War breathed its last. 

• Mutual Nuclear Threat: The superpowers of the USSR and the USA came very close to involving themselves in a direct nuclear conflict during the cold war era. 
• Berlin Wall and Eastern Europe: Ironically the fall of the Wall in 1989 highlighted the collapse of Soviet influence in the eastern part of the continent. Hungary tore down the border with Austria, and the Solidarity government came into power in Poland. 

4. The Coup Attempt and Gorbachev’s Stand 

4. 1. August 1991 Coup 

• State of Emergency: Essentially, KGB was undermined while hard-liners attempted a coup against Gorbachev insisting on declaring an Emergency. Gorbachev said no, reprimanding them for not just being traitors. 
• House Arrest: Thus, Gorbachev and his family were kept under house arrest; however, he had loyal guards assisting him in the collection of information.

5. Order of the Past and the Present

• End of the Cold War: The cold war phase whereby ideological conflict was between capitalism and communism ended with the collapse of the soviet union. 
• Globalization: There was promotion of globalization, interconnected economies, diplomacy after the post Soviet period. 
• New Nations: The 15 independent states which have been breaking away came into being with their own prospects as well as problems. 

Conclusion 

The fall of the Soviet Union is still strongly felt today, indirectly transforming the global society as we know it today. It stands in as a ” if ” democracy, economy, and nationalism are to be obtained concurrently.