fall of soviet union

The Soviet totalitarian regime held the many nations of the USSR together for almost three quarters of a century; the disintegration of this political system brought with it economic and political instability as well as civil wars in the separated states. Why did the collapse of the communist regime in the Soviet Union have such a negative impact? The states struggled to coordinate market mechanisms and private ownerships into their economies. Rebellions and radical reform …

…almost 10 years ago. One totalitarian state was transformed into 15 independent republics. This metamorphoses did not take place without bitter, often deadly conflicts; the problems are not yet resolved. The economic and political environment has improved; however, debates over ethnic boundaries and independence persist. Moving from a centrally controlled state to a market economy requires knowledge, foresight, financial support and stable institutions: The leaders were unprepared for the chaos that erupted with the advent of democracy.