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How Communist Planners Left Russia Out In The Cold

W. Somerset Maugham

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Published in The Siberian Curse: How Communist Planners Left Russia Out In The Cold

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The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a watershed moment in world history. For over seven decades, the communist regime had ruled over a vast empire, spanning eleven time zones and encompassing over 22 million square kilometers. But by the end, the Soviet Union was a crumbling superpower, its economy in shambles, its environment polluted, and its people disillusioned.

The Siberian Curse: How Communist Planners Left Russia Out in the Cold

by Fiona Hill

4.4 out of 5

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How did such a mighty empire collapse so suddenly and completely? The answer lies in the fundamental flaws of communism itself. From the very beginning, communism was based on a utopian vision of a classless, egalitarian society. But in practice, communism proved to be a recipe for tyranny, poverty, and environmental destruction.

In Russia, the communist regime pursued a policy of rapid industrialization, regardless of the cost. This led to the creation of massive factories and smokestacks, but it also resulted in widespread pollution and environmental degradation. The regime also collectivized agriculture, which led to a sharp decline in food production and widespread famine.

The communist regime's economic policies were equally disastrous. The government set unrealistic production targets and prices, which led to shortages and black markets. The government also suppressed private enterprise, which stifled innovation and economic growth.

By the 1980s, the Soviet economy was in a state of collapse. The country was heavily dependent on oil exports, and when oil prices fell in the 1980s, the economy went into a tailspin. The government was forced to borrow heavily from abroad, and by 1991, the Soviet Union was on the brink of bankruptcy.

The environmental consequences of communism were equally devastating. The regime's emphasis on heavy industry led to widespread pollution of air, water, and land. The Soviet Union also conducted numerous nuclear tests, which contaminated the environment with radioactive waste.

The social consequences of communism were no less severe. The regime suppressed dissent and freedom of speech, and it created a climate of fear and paranoia. The government also promoted a cult of personality around its leaders, which led to a widespread loss of individuality and self-respect.

By the end of the 1980s, the Soviet people were disillusioned with communism. They had seen their economy collapse, their environment polluted, and their freedoms suppressed. They were ready for change.

In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Russia embarked on a new era of freedom and democracy. But the legacy of communism continues to haunt Russia today. The country is still struggling to overcome the economic, environmental, and social problems that were created by the communist regime.

How Communist Planners Left Russia Out In The Cold is a chilling saga of ideological dogma and its devastating consequences. The book provides a valuable lesson about the dangers of central planning and government overreach. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of communism and its impact on the world.

The Siberian Curse: How Communist Planners Left Russia Out in the Cold

by Fiona Hill

4.4 out of 5