The End of the Soviet Union & Boris Yeltsin

Political Development In his own words, Gorbachev set about launching the 2nd Russian revolution 2 core planks to his program: PERESTROIKA (“restructuring” of Soviet economy and political system) and GLASNOST (“openness” or willingness to encourage more public discussion)

Political Development By 1988, a third facet was added: DEMOKRATIZATSIIA (democratization) Goal was not dismantle socialist system but to make it more efficient & democratic Reduce role of central planning However, he faced several problems

Political Development 1. Lacked legitimacy – preached democratic accountability but was never popularly elected & insisted on maintaining CPSU monopoly 2. Found himself caught between liberals who thought his reforms were too timid and conservatives who thought he had gone too far

Political Development He lost control partly b/c of entrenched power of Soviet bureaucracy to sabotage & delay his changes and partly b/c of his own caution 3. Reforms brought into open the tensions among Soviet republics – nationalist & secessionist movements

Political Development Aug 1991 – on eve of signing new union treaty, group of communists staged coup in Moscow but failed Gorbachev’s credibility undermined so he resigned as president of USSR on 12/25/91 and USSR ceased to exist 12/26/91 15 independent countries formed

Political Development Russia was largest – just 6 months earlier had elected Boris Yeltsin as president Yeltsin had same problems as Gorbachev and attempts were made to unseat him during 1993 He dissolved Russian legislature (Congress of People’s Deputies)

Political Development Small group of conservatives barricaded themselves inside Congress bldg & gave acting presidency to Yeltsin’s own VP, his biggest critic Yeltsin responded w/military force, attempted coup failed, & VP w/supporters were jailed

Political Development Constant conflict b/t conservatives and reformers Dec 1993 – constitution “approved” in hurried public referendum & new legislature elected (Duma) 1996 – Yeltsin elected to 2nd term despite all the problems (including his own health)

Political Development Problems continued 1. Trust in gov’t fell to all-time low 2. Legislature failed to be effective source of policy 3. Nationalist problems in south boiled over into renewed war & urban terrorism (Chechnya) 4. Value of ruble fell w/inflation

Political Development 5. Wealth & power accumulated in hands of new elite (oligarchy) 6. Banking system declined 7. Unemployment grew 1999 – Yeltsin suddenly resigned Putin succeeded him – new party created called UNITED RUSSIA