Geopolitics Q2: USSR and Soviet Republics

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the processes that Gorbachev had started and lost control of?

Regionalism

What was the law on nationalities introduced in January 1990 intended to avoid?

Break-up of the Soviet Union

What event occurred in March 1990?

The Red Army was sent to Lithuania

What was granted to the republics through the Union Treaty in March 1991?

Larger autonomy Signup and view all the answers

Who was elected as President of the Russian Federation in May 1990?

Boris Yeltsin Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of granting more autonomy to the republics?

Regions were given the tools to ask for more independence Signup and view all the answers

What was a rare moment of aggression from Gorbachev?

Sending the Red Army to Lithuania Signup and view all the answers

When was Boris Yeltsin elected through popular elections?

June 1991 Signup and view all the answers

What was the proposed solution to the problems in the Yugoslavian republics?

Regionalism and nationalism Signup and view all the answers

Which two republics declared their independence after the end of the Cold War?

Slovenia and Croatia Signup and view all the answers

Why did the conflict last for several months in Croatia?

Due to the large Serbian population and Serbia's ambition to create a greater Serbia Signup and view all the answers

What was the ethnic mix in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

±45% Muslims, ±30% Serbs, ±18% Croats Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the independence referendum in Bosnia-Herzegovina in February 1992?

Independence of Bosnian Serbs and Croats Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the full-scale war in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

100,000 killed and 2.2 million refugees Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the arms embargo on Muslim Bosnians?

It disadvantaged Muslim Bosnians Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of Serbia's ambition?

To create a greater Serbia uniting all Serbian populations Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of naming rogue states?

To mobilize people for an activist foreign policy Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Cold War?

The dominance of the United States and the West Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the end of the Cold War?

The removal of 'shackles' from the UN Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the collapse of the Soviet Union?

The end of the division of the World into two camps Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on world politics?

It changed everything in world politics Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the United States after the Cold War?

Overwhelming dominance in every domain Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the end of the Cold War on global conflicts?

Unfrozen conflicts in the third world Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the post-Cold War world?

A unipolar world with a single dominant power Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Europeans, especially the French, want to resolve the Bosnian crisis by themselves?

Because they considered it a European matter Signup and view all the answers

What event in April 1994 led to the Americans getting more involved in the Bosnian crisis?

UN forces were held hostage by the Bosnian Serbs Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Croatian forces overrunning Krajina in 1995?

It was a turning point in the war, making the Serbs more likely to join peace negotiations Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Dayton agreement in November 1995?

Bosnia and Herzegovina remained one country with two parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate population of Kosovo?

2 million Signup and view all the answers

Why was Kosovo a key problem?

Because it was a constitutional part of Serbia Signup and view all the answers

What was the response to the Serb atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo?

NATO air strikes against Serbia Signup and view all the answers

What happened on 10 June 1999 in the Kosovo conflict?

NATO campaign suspended Signup and view all the answers

What was Madame Agathe Uwillingiyimana?

A moderate Hutu in favour of reconciliation Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the 10 Belgian soldiers after they handed over their arms?

They were taken to Camp Kigali and fought off the Hutu soldiers Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Hutu extremist leaders?

To kill as many Tutsis as possible Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the French intervention in Rwanda?

Operation Turquoise Signup and view all the answers

How many troops were involved in Operation Turquoise?

2500 troops Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the FPR's advance into Rwanda?

The FPR overtook the entire country Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Belgians pull back their troops from Rwanda?

Because they were targets for both Hutus and Tutsis Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate number of deaths in the Rwandese genocide?

800 000 deaths Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of introducing the concept of rogue states?

To mobilize people for an activist foreign policy Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Cold War?

A unipolar world with US dominance Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on global politics?

It changed everything, ending the division of the world into two camps Signup and view all the answers

How did the end of the Cold War affect the United Nations Security Council?

It removed 'shackles' from the UN Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the United States in the post-Cold War era?

Dominance in economic, military, and cultural terms Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union?

A major disruption in recent world history Signup and view all the answers

How did the end of the Cold War affect humanitarian interventions?

It resulted in a significant increase in humanitarian interventions Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the post-Cold War world?

A unipolar world Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the conditions of the reunification of Germany?

No nuclear weapons would be deployed in former East Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the reunification of Germany?

West Germany absorbed East Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between East and West Germany?

East Germany was a communist state and West Germany was a democratic state Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the friendship treaty between reunified Germany and the Soviet Union?

It was a necessary condition for the reunification of Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the reunification of Germany on the economy?

The reunification led to a costly operation for West Germany Signup and view all the answers

What was the capital of Germany after the reunification?

Berlin Signup and view all the answers

What was the main difference between the two cars shown in the pictures?

The technological differences between the cars Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate result of the reunification of Germany on the economy?

Germany's economy required significant efforts to regain its strength Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the increased need for humanitarian interventions after the Cold War?

The removal of support from great powers to dictatorships Signup and view all the answers

What was the characteristic of the world after the Cold War, before the rise of other great powers?

Unipolar Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on dictatorships in Third World countries?

They were weakened Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the collapse of the Soviet Union in terms of its former republics?

They experienced internal conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of the US in the world, according to the text?

The uncontested superpower Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on the UN Security Council?

It was strengthened Signup and view all the answers

What is the current characteristic of the world, according to the text?

Unit-multipolar Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of China, according to the text?

A strong economic contender Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the international community after the end of the Cold War?

Maintaining stability and preventing rogue nations from disrupting the order Signup and view all the answers

What is the only institution that can legally authorize intervention in another country?

The UN Security Council Signup and view all the answers

What was Francis Fukuyama's argument about the end of the Cold War?

That the end of the Cold War marked the end of history and the triumph of liberalism Signup and view all the answers

What was the dilemma faced by decision-makers after the end of the Cold War?

When to intervene and on what grounds Signup and view all the answers

What was the responsibility that decision-makers felt towards victims of conflicts?

To protect them from suffering Signup and view all the answers

What was the title of Francis Fukuyama's book published in 1992?

The End of History and the Last Man Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the 10 Belgian soldiers in Rwanda?

To protect the Rwandan Prime Minister Agathe Uwillingiyimana Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the standoff with Rwandese soldiers?

The Belgian soldiers were forced to hand over their arms Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Hutu extremist leaders?

To kill as many Tutsis as possible Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the French intervention in Rwanda?

Operation Turquoise Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the FPR's advance into Rwanda?

The FPR established a coalition government in accordance with the Arusha accord Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Belgians pull back their troops from Rwanda?

Because they were targets for both Hutus and Tutsis Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate number of deaths in the Rwandese genocide?

800,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Russia's high inflation and bankruptcies in the 1990s?

Privatization of the industry Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the economic crisis in South-East Asia in 1997?

Russia was hit very hard Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Yeltsin's attempt to dissolve Parliament in 1993?

Yeltsin won the dispute Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem with Russia's administration in the 1990s?

It was not flexible or efficient Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the dissolution of the Soviet Union?

The rise of ethnic conflicts and wars among successor states Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Yeltsin's appointment of Vladimir Putin as Prime Minister?

Political stability returned Signup and view all the answers

Why did Yeltsin try to dissolve Parliament in 1993?

Because he relied on the result of an earlier referendum Signup and view all the answers

Why was it important for the West to avoid acting triumphant over the USSR?

To ensure the success of Soviet reforms Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Yeltsin's reforms in the 1990s?

High inflation, bankruptcies, and increased taxes Signup and view all the answers

What was a fear of the US regarding the USSR's reforms?

Totalitarianism and a return to communism Signup and view all the answers

What was the main challenge facing Russia in the 1990s?

Social and economic challenges Signup and view all the answers

What was the US's approach to dealing with the leaders of the successor states?

Establishing diplomatic relations with them Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the dissolution of the USSR?

The emergence of new ethnic conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What was the US's concern regarding Soviet reforms?

That they were not sufficient for financial aid from the West Signup and view all the answers

What was a fear of the US regarding the USSR's nuclear weapons?

That they would fall into the wrong hands Signup and view all the answers

What was the US's attitude towards Gorbachev's reforms?

Supportive and encouraging Signup and view all the answers

What was George H.W. Bush's vision for the new world order after the end of the Cold War?

A world order based on the respect of international law, liberalism, human rights, and free trade Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of George H.W. Bush's pledge not to raise taxes?

He lost several of his voters Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Bill Clinton's catchphrase 'it's the economy, stupid'?

It drew attention to domestic economic issues and their importance in the election Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the expansion of NATO during Bill Clinton's presidency?

It resulted in the marginalization of Russia in world affairs Signup and view all the answers

What was the concept of 'rogue states' introduced by Clinton and his advisors?

Countries that do not respect the new liberal world order and support terrorist groups Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Bosnia crisis during the Clinton presidency?

It led to the involvement of the United States against Serbian interests Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Gulf War during George H.W. Bush's presidency?

It was an impressive display of American dominance Signup and view all the answers

What was a major issue that Bill Clinton faced during his presidency?

Domestic economic evolutions within the United States Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of introducing the concept of rogue states?

To justify an activist foreign policy Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union?

It marked the beginning of a unipolar world Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the end of the Cold War on global politics?

Increased humanitarian interventions Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the United States in the post-Cold War era?

It dominated the world economically, militarily, and culturally Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Cold War?

The rise of the United States as a dominant power Signup and view all the answers

How did the end of the Cold War affect the United Nations Security Council?

It was constrained by the rise of unilateralism Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of the post-Cold War world?

The emergence of unilateralism Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on humanitarian interventions?

It resulted in increased humanitarian interventions Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of Huntington's theory?

His observations are flawed and not correct Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern for the US regarding European security after the Cold War?

To maintain their influence over European security Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 'Founding Act' between NATO and Russia in 1997?

It established a framework for cooperation between NATO and Russia Signup and view all the answers

What was a major challenge facing NATO after the Cold War?

Maintaining its relevance in the face of a decreasing Soviet threat Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Dayton Agreement in 1995?

It established a framework for peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe?

To support the democratization of former Warsaw Pact states Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern of the Europeans, especially the French, regarding the Bosnian crisis?

To resolve the crisis without US involvement Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the collapse of the Soviet Union on global politics?

It marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of international relations Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Regionalism

USSR consisted of 15 Soviet Republics
In January 1990, a law on nationalities was introduced to avoid Soviet break-up
In March 1990, the Red Army was sent to Lithuania after its declaration of independence
In May 1990, Boris Yeltsin was elected as President of the Russian Federation
Difficult relations existed between the Union and the republics
In March 1991, the Union Treaty gave larger autonomy to the republics
In June 1991, Yeltsin was elected through popular elections

Unilateral World

The end of the Cold War resulted in a unipolar world with the US as the dominant power
The US had economic, military, and cultural dominance
The collapse of communist regimes led to the end of the Cold War

Polarity and Stability

The concept of polarity refers to the distribution of power in the international system
Types of polarity include multipolar, bipolar, unipolar, and uni-multipolar worlds
The end of the Cold War marked a shift from a bipolar to a unipolar world

Yugoslavia and the Balkans

The end of the Cold War led to the rise of regionalism and nationalism in Yugoslavia
Slovenia and Croatia declared their independence in 1990, leading to conflict with Serbia
The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina lasted from 1992 to 1995, resulting in 100,000 deaths and 2.2 million refugees
The Bosnian conflict was characterized by ethnic cleansing, particularly in Srebrenica
The Dayton agreement in 1995 established a federal Bosnia and Herzegovina with two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serb Republic

Kosovo

Kosovo is an autonomous province of Serbia with a population of 2 million, mostly ethnic Albanians
Kosovo lost its autonomous status in 1989
The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) fought against Serbian forces in 1998, leading to atrocities against ethnic Albanians
NATO airstrikes in 1999 led to the withdrawal of Serbian forces and the eventual independence of Kosovo

Rwandan Genocide

The Rwandan genocide was a 100-day period of violence in 1994, resulting in 800,000 deaths
The genocide was perpetrated by Hutu extremists against Tutsis and moderate Hutus
The killing of 10 Belgian soldiers led to the withdrawal of UN troops, leaving the population vulnerable to violence
French intervention under Operation Turquoise led to the eventual victory of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and the establishment of a coalition government

German Reunification

The reunification of Germany was a costly operation for West Germany, which absorbed East Germany.
To obtain Soviet approval, several concessions were made, including:
- No NATO troops stationed in former East-Germany
- No nuclear weapons deployed in former East-Germany
- Germany would pay the cost of the withdrawal of the Red Army
- A friendship treaty would be signed between reunified Germany and the Soviet Union
The reunification Treaty was signed on August 31st, 1990, making Berlin the capital of Germany again.

Post-Cold War Era

The end of the Cold War marked a significant shift in global politics, with the United States emerging as the dominant power.
The concept of "rogue states" was introduced to mobilize people for an activist foreign policy in the absence of a clear enemy.
The United States' dominance was evident in economic, military, and cultural terms.
The end of the Cold War led to the removal of "shackles" from the UN Security Council, allowing for increased humanitarian interventions.

Impact of the Cold War's End

The collapse of the Soviet Union brought about tensions between former republics and ethnic communities.
The end of the Cold War meant that the world was no longer divided into two opposing camps.
The removal of support for dictators led to the eruption of internal conflicts in Third World countries.

Unipolar World

The post-Cold War era was characterized by a brief unipolar world, with the United States as the sole superpower.
This period was marked by a greater need for humanitarian interventions.
The world eventually transitioned into a unit-multipolar world, with one superpower (the US) and multiple great powers (Russia, China, and the EU).

Rogue States and Humanitarian Interventions

The concept of rogue states was used to justify humanitarian interventions.
The dilemma of when to intervene and on what grounds was a significant challenge for decision-makers.
The UN Security Council was the only institution that could authorize legal interventions in another country.

The End of History

Francis Fukuyama's book "The End of History and the Last Man" (1992) argued that the end of the Cold War marked the end of an ideological evolution towards the most optimal economic and political system (liberalism).

Rwandan Genocide

The Rwandan genocide was perpetrated by Hutus against Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 1994.
The genocide began after the killing of Rwandan President Habyarimana's plane, which led to the killing of 10 Belgian soldiers.
The international response to the genocide was slow, and the UN mission was eventually withdrawn.
The French intervention, Operation Turquoise, was launched under a UN mandate.
The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) eventually took over the country, and a coalition government was established in accordance with the Arusha accord.

Yeltsin's Reforms in Russia

Yeltsin faced economic and social challenges and enacted significant reforms, including the privatization of industries to secure financial help from the West, mainly the US.
These reforms led to high inflation, bankruptcies, and increased taxes, which many people opposed.
Another major problem was that Russia still relied on the same administration it had under communist rule, which was not flexible or efficient.
Corruption also became a significant issue.

Political Problems in Russia

In 1993, Yeltsin tried to dissolve Parliament, which led to a dispute, as he did not have the authority to do so according to the constitution.
Yeltsin relied on the result of an earlier referendum that would grant him the necessary powers.
Parliament tried to depose and replace him, but Yeltsin won the dispute by bombing Parliament.

Un-frozen Conflicts in the USSR

The dissolution of the Soviet Union brought about unfrozen conflicts, which were basically frozen by the Soviet Union's grip on the Republics.
Different ethnic groups within different former Soviet republics saw the opportunity to rise and fight for independence or greater aspirations.

US Foreign Policy After the Cold War

The US did not act triumphant or victorious over the USSR, and instead maintained support for Gorbachev's reforms.
The US feared a return to totalitarianism and the dispersion of nuclear weapons among successor states.
The US established links with leaders of successor states and maintained its interest in the region.

New World Order

Bush believed in a new world order based on respect for international law, liberalism, human rights, and free trade.
The Gulf War demonstrated American dominance, but Bush lost sight of domestic economic evolutions in the US.

Clinton's Foreign Policy

Clinton's slogan "it's the economy, stupid!" resonated with the American public, and he eventually gained confidence in pursuing his own foreign policy agenda.
Clinton's foreign policy led to the marginalization of Russia in world affairs, particularly in Bosnia and NATO expansion.

Rogue States and Failed States

Clinton introduced the concept of "rogue states", which included countries like Libya, Sudan, Iraq, and Iran that did not respect the new liberal world order and supported terrorist groups.
The goal of naming rogue states was to mobilize the American people for an activist foreign policy.

Unipolar World

The end of the Cold War led to a unipolar world, with the US as the dominant power in economic, military, and cultural terms.
The concept of rogue states and humanitarian interventions became prominent in a unipolar world.

NATO After the Cold War

NATO's relevance was questioned after the removal of the Soviet threat.
The US had an ambiguous position, wanting Europe to take more responsibility for its own security while maintaining American influence.
NATO enlarged during Clinton's second term, with Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic joining in 1999.

Geopolitics Q2: USSR and Soviet Republics

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the processes that Gorbachev had started and lost control of?

What was the law on nationalities introduced in January 1990 intended to avoid?

What event occurred in March 1990?

What was granted to the republics through the Union Treaty in March 1991?

Who was elected as President of the Russian Federation in May 1990?

What was the outcome of granting more autonomy to the republics?

What was a rare moment of aggression from Gorbachev?

When was Boris Yeltsin elected through popular elections?

What was the proposed solution to the problems in the Yugoslavian republics?

Which two republics declared their independence after the end of the Cold War?

Why did the conflict last for several months in Croatia?

What was the ethnic mix in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

What was the outcome of the independence referendum in Bosnia-Herzegovina in February 1992?

What was the result of the full-scale war in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

What was the effect of the arms embargo on Muslim Bosnians?

What was the goal of Serbia's ambition?

What was the goal of naming rogue states?

What was the outcome of the Cold War?

What was a consequence of the end of the Cold War?

What was the result of the collapse of the Soviet Union?

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on world politics?

What is a characteristic of the United States after the Cold War?

What is a consequence of the end of the Cold War on global conflicts?

What is a feature of the post-Cold War world?

Why did the Europeans, especially the French, want to resolve the Bosnian crisis by themselves?

What event in April 1994 led to the Americans getting more involved in the Bosnian crisis?

What was the significance of the Croatian forces overrunning Krajina in 1995?

What was the outcome of the Dayton agreement in November 1995?

What is the approximate population of Kosovo?

Why was Kosovo a key problem?

What was the response to the Serb atrocities against ethnic Albanians in Kosovo?

What happened on 10 June 1999 in the Kosovo conflict?

What was Madame Agathe Uwillingiyimana?

What happened to the 10 Belgian soldiers after they handed over their arms?

What was the goal of the Hutu extremist leaders?

What was the name of the French intervention in Rwanda?

How many troops were involved in Operation Turquoise?

What was the outcome of the FPR's advance into Rwanda?

Why did the Belgians pull back their troops from Rwanda?

What was the approximate number of deaths in the Rwandese genocide?

What was the purpose of introducing the concept of rogue states?

What was the outcome of the Cold War?

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on global politics?

How did the end of the Cold War affect the United Nations Security Council?

What characterized the United States in the post-Cold War era?

What was the significance of the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union?

How did the end of the Cold War affect humanitarian interventions?

What is a feature of the post-Cold War world?

What was one of the conditions of the reunification of Germany?

What was the outcome of the reunification of Germany?

What was the main difference between East and West Germany?

What was the significance of the friendship treaty between reunified Germany and the Soviet Union?

What was the result of the reunification of Germany on the economy?

What was the capital of Germany after the reunification?

What was the main difference between the two cars shown in the pictures?

What was the approximate result of the reunification of Germany on the economy?

What was the main reason for the increased need for humanitarian interventions after the Cold War?

What was the characteristic of the world after the Cold War, before the rise of other great powers?

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on dictatorships in Third World countries?

What was the outcome of the collapse of the Soviet Union in terms of its former republics?

What is the current status of the US in the world, according to the text?

What was the impact of the end of the Cold War on the UN Security Council?

What is the current characteristic of the world, according to the text?

What is the current status of China, according to the text?

What was the primary concern of the international community after the end of the Cold War?

What is the only institution that can legally authorize intervention in another country?

What was Francis Fukuyama's argument about the end of the Cold War?

What was the dilemma faced by decision-makers after the end of the Cold War?

What was the responsibility that decision-makers felt towards victims of conflicts?

What was the title of Francis Fukuyama's book published in 1992?

What was the role of the 10 Belgian soldiers in Rwanda?

What was the result of the standoff with Rwandese soldiers?

What was the goal of the Hutu extremist leaders?

What was the name of the French intervention in Rwanda?

What was the outcome of the FPR's advance into Rwanda?

Why did the Belgians pull back their troops from Rwanda?

What was the approximate number of deaths in the Rwandese genocide?