Normally we speak of the disintegration of USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) in 1991. But actually the Russian Empire founded by Romanov Czars flourished until taken over by Marxist Revolution led by Lenin in October 1917 to establish proletariat suzerainty over the vast landmass which was divided into 15 states all technically independent but owing allegiance to Moscow.
In the popular terminology USSR was Russia towering above the rest.
Under totalitarian communist rule the Republic went from strength to strength reaching the peak of power at the close of WW II when Marshal Zhukov accepted the surrender of Hitler's Germany.
It was the greatest hour of communist glory. It then started looking outward to spread its influence in Eastern Europe and other distant parts of the world. During the period 1917 to 1940 notwithstanding all the adverse comments and condemnation of excesses committed to suppress individual freedom in Russia the country made commendable progress in the fields of economy, education, military, industry, science and technology.
But in the larger national interest as perceived by the regime individuals were ignored oppressed and regimented. In the fifties USSR having acquired nuclear bomb emerged as a superpower to vie with USA for world domination, and a battle ensued between capitalist and communist ideologies. In 1963 Khuruchev banged his shoe on the desk at UNO and threatened to bury capitalism.
Brezneve who succeeded him continued the rivalry and attempted to occupy Afghanistan which proved a fatal mistake.
America without actually sending troops fought a proxy war by arming mujahideen through Pakistan which resulted in defeat of the red army and enfeebled communist prestige internationally.
President Regan called USSR an evil empire and heated up the cold war bankrupting the enemy economically. By 1985 when Gorbachev came to power there was political, economical and social upheaval behind the iron curtain, necessitating a U-turn in traditional policy of confrontation.
He therefore opted for co-operation and peaceful co-existence with the West. Domestically his experiment with "glasnost" and "perestroika" was not an unqualified success. Being a dyed in the wool marxist he was not prepared to take drastic measures to implement the reforms he advocated.
He faltered and it was left to his successor Yeltsin to preside over the liquidation of the Soviet empire with a view to change over to democracy and market economy. He went the whole hog by abandoning communism lock stock and barrel. When 1st. January 1992 dawned the mighty USSR had disappeared -its components the 15 republics becoming totally independent (subsequently to form a loose Commonwealth).
Yeltsin's first and last love was Russia (Russian Federation) which now stood on its own to prosper or perish as a nation state. Yeltsin however had a tough time. Most ethnic Russians connected with all-powerful communist party were acclimatised to the ruling apparatus as it existed and could not reconcile to the sudden break up of USSR.
All their life they had been indoctrinated to hate and detest capitalism and now they were required to embrace it. Yeltsin though was careful to avoid the word substituting it with: "market economy". Form 1991 to 1999 when his rule ended Yeltsin made herculean efforts to communicate with the Russian masses that the change was for greater glory of mother Russia their own country but he was never fully successful.
When Putin, a former KGB official took over as President Russia was in a flux trying to adjust to laissez-faire as against total state control.
The transformation was not easy and would have failed but for the inflow of massive American investment. As far as economic reforms are concerned, in the beginning it was a chaos.
During the Soviet times it was the powerful big guns connected with politbureau who had the best of both the worlds, while the working class lived a miserable life facing all sort of shortage in food, clothing and housing.
After the change it was the organised crime which took over big business and a few enterprising robber barons exploited the deregulated economy to enjoy perks and privileges of wealth, the masses remaining deprived as before. Putin has been at the helm of affairs now for six years. During this period he has played his cards shrewdly.
He has strengthened his base of power by political manipulation using fair and unfair tactics. Despite needing American aid, he has refused to play second fiddle to USA maintaining a posture of independence. Very often he has gone against USA on international issues. His support in Iraq is lukewarm, while in Iran dispute he is openly defiant.
On the matters of human rights within Russia, he resents American interference and is determined to crush Chechen rebellion by naked force. It appears that after early hiccoughs Russian economy is stabilised, high oil prices providing sufficient cushion. He is befriending.
China and some European countries to put up a front against America's unipolar agenda to dominate the world. Putin has made it abundantly clear that even after the fall of USSR Russia remains a world power to reckon with.
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