The Soviet Union's Political and Economic System

The General Secretary was the most powerful figure, overseeing the government and military.

In a planned economy, the state controls production, distribution, and prices, whereas a market economy relies on supply and demand.

The nomenklatura was a vast bureaucratic system that managed state administration and ensured loyalty to the Communist Party.

<p>Collectivization aimed to increase efficiency but often resulted in inefficiency and low productivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Soviet economy faced stagnation, characterized by slow growth, inefficiency, and technological backwardness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gorbachev recognized the need for reform to address economic stagnation and political inefficiencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The emphasis on military spending led to imbalances, resulting in shortages of consumer goods and poor living standards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The absence of market competition stifled innovation and productivity, leading to a technological lag behind Western economies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main goals were to establish a framework for international economic cooperation and to prevent economic instability that contributed to World War II.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The US dollar was linked to gold, allowing other currencies to be pegged to it, which facilitated international trade and investment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A key outcome was the shift in US foreign policy focus towards combating terrorism in the Middle East.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main goals of Perestroika were to reform the economy by introducing market mechanisms and reduce central planning, increasing enterprise autonomy and encouraging private enterprise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The IMF was created to promote international monetary cooperation, ensure exchange rate stability, and provide temporary financial assistance to countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Globalization refers to the increasing interdependence of economies and cultures, primarily driven by advances in transportation and communication technology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Glasnost promoted transparency and freedom of information, leading to increased media freedom and public discussion of social, political, and economic issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Globalization has led to rising income inequality by benefiting some groups while marginalizing others, both within and between countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Democratisation introduced multi-candidate elections and aimed to reduce the Communist Party's monopoly on power, increasing political participation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The US pivot to Asia involved increasing focus on Asia to balance competition and cooperation with China as a global power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gorbachev's 'New Thinking' emphasized cooperation over confrontation and included initiatives like the INF Treaty to reduce nuclear arsenals and the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Gorbachev faced resistance from hardliners within the CPSU and bureaucratic inertia, which limited the effectiveness of the economic reforms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The key activities included military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring national security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The increased openness allowed for rising political dissent and demands for greater autonomy from Soviet republics, contributing to political instability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The end of the Cold War led to a reduction in foreign military and financial support, which had previously influenced various African conflicts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The collapse of the USSR marked the end of the Cold War and led to significant changes in global power dynamics, affecting ideological conflicts worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main concerns include the dominance of Western culture and the loss of local traditions and identities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Globalization challenges national sovereignty by allowing international organizations and agreements to influence domestic policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>These institutions help shape global governance by facilitating cooperation and regulation among nations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Key features of neoliberalism include deregulation, privatization, and an emphasis on free trade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Critics argue that capitalism leads to inequality, exploitation, and environmental degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>These programs are often criticized for exacerbating poverty and inequality in developing countries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The post-WWII era was characterized by a bipolar power structure dominated by the US and the Soviet Union.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The US-China rivalry is characterized by strategic and economic competition that influences global policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They were instrumental in negotiating a peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The TRC aimed to address human rights abuses and promote national reconciliation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The RDP aimed to tackle socio-economic inequalities through infrastructure development and job creation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The inherited debt burden limited the new government's ability to prioritize social reforms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>GEAR was criticized for prioritizing economic growth over social development, resulting in limited success in reducing poverty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Key achievements include progress in housing, education, and healthcare improvements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Challenges included ongoing inequality, crime, political tensions, and corruption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 1994 elections marked the first democratic elections, with the ANC winning and Mandela becoming the first black president.</p> Signup and view all the answers