3 Major Reasons For The Collapse of The Soviet Union

Source - Reddit

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a confederation of 15 countries under the leadership of Russia. USSR was the super power representing the socialist ideology and its member nation were also the supporters of the socialist ideology. 

The member nations of The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) were as follows:

1. Armenia

2. Azerbaijan 

3. Belarus 

4. Estonia 

5. Georgia 

6. Kazakhstan 

7. Kyrgyzstan 

8. Latvia 

9. Lithuania 

10. Moldova 

11. Russia 

12. Tajikistan 

13. Turkmenistan 

14. Ukraine 

15. Uzbekistan

Russia became the political center of the USSR owing to its largest geopolitical territory in comparison to the other members and its supremely strong military. 

USSR came into the existence in 1922 after Russian civil war. USSR was a strong bloc with great control over global politics from 1922 to 1991.

However in 1991 USSR disintegrated , the major reason for the disintegration of USSR were:

1. Economic and Political Reforms in USSR

The theoretical outline of the USSR and its laid down functions were good, the execution was not up to the mark. One of main reasons for the disintegration of the bloc was hierarchy in the executive branch and to be more specific the hierarchy in the administration thus unemployment and misfortune of people mounted up. 

Corruption and malpractices added to the misery of the people. The common man was extremely dissatisfied with the administration thus, Gorbachev identified the economic and political problems of USSR and came up with solutions to revive the economy but accidently changed the whole system of the soviet block. The reforms which were made went against the basic communist ideology and policies and were closely associated with market economy. Therefore many communist leaders in USSR opposed reforms initiated by Gorbachev and encouraged a coup in 1991.

2. Conflicts within the Confederation 

USSR was the federation of 15 countries but Russia being the central power commanded a complete immunity. 

The rest 14 countries had to bear all the military and other expenditure and Russia and its people enjoyed a exuberant lifestyle whereas the life of common people of the 14 other countries was miserable. They are not getting even the basic needs by the government whereas the Russian citizens enjoyed additional rights and facilities. 

This made the countries feel inferior in nature and gave rise to a growing difference in the opinion between Russia and the countries. 

3. Political Unaccountability

The communist party regime (single party rule) for around 70 years turned authoritarian. The working of the soviet and its system of operation turned unruly, there was widespread corruption, nepotism and lack of transparency. 

People couldn't hold anyone responsible for the chaos and mayhem. There was lack of clarity on who should be penalized for the creation of such an unruly state. The government was extremely laid back and the wings of the execution like the police, chose to do what they felt like doing because there was no one to report to or no one to hold them responsible for their doings. 

Written By - Shivam Jha 

Edited By - Tushna Choksey