While the Soviet Century started off with more than just a bang, we unfortunately also watch it go out with less than a whimper. The Soviet Union was defined by the damage of it’s internal contradictions after decades of failed policy and economic liberalization pushed as an over-corrected response to a “socialism” one couldn’t say … Continue reading Death and Dissolution →
Month: May 2019
An Olympic Medal In Distraction
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In 1980, the Soviet Union was changing and evolving. The Soviet people were experiencing new social freedoms and opportunities that they had never had before. While experiencing social liberation, the Soviet Union was also experiencing economic uncertainty, the unpredictability of the Cold War, and major global backlash over the invasion of Afghanistan. I think the …
It’s 1985 and Soviet Farms Still Suck
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The stagnation of the agricultural sector during Brezhnev’s tenure was one of the abject failures of his catastrophic regime. The farming question has existed in the USSR since it’s inception, as infrastructure , land realignments, and human capital relocation projects have been attempted to convert this abundance of land into reliable arable farmland. Brezhnev was … Continue reading It’s 1985 and Soviet Farms Still Suck →
Give It All You Got
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The 1980 Summer Olympics! This international sporting event presented an opportunity for the Soviet Union to boast their nation’s capabilities on an world wide platform. However, these Olympic games quickly became a symbol for both international turmoil and politics. Following the Soviet Union’s invasion into Afghanistan in 1979, Gorbachev and his regime supported Babrak Kamal … Continue reading Give It All You Got
Let’s Talk About Sex
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In the period of glasnost, or openness, in the Soviet Union, the conversation on prostitution became a public topic (Von Geldern). It wasn’t until 1987 that specific laws prohibiting prostitution were introduced in the Soviet Union. Prior to 1987, prostitution was taboo to many Soviets. I found it interesting that during an American talk show … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Sex →
Caution: Crisis in Chernobyl
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“In Germany, when Hitler and his regime brought about so much misery and suffering, they recognized it as a crime. And they strive to make sure it… Read more “Caution: Crisis in Chernobyl”
Kino and the Underground Music Scene
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Music, as with all other art forms, was regulated in the Soviet Union. There was one record label, Melodiya, that published all “official” music in the USSR. Of course though, because this is the Soviet Union, there was a lot of underground art produced, and this included music. In the Soviet Union, rock music was … Continue reading Kino and the Underground Music Scene
All Along the Watchtower: The Soviet Vietnam
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In the 1980s the Soviet Union found itself caught in a box reminiscent of the U.S. in the early 70s with Vietnam, except this time it was over the mountains of Afghanistan. The Soviets came to Afghanistan for a variety of reasons, the clearest of which is geography. Afghanistan is a central part of the … Continue reading All Along the Watchtower: The Soviet Vietnam
“Ayatollahs in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan”
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“Ayatollahs in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan” Billy Joel’s reference in his hit song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” was the motivation/inspiration for this blogpost. 1979 was a turbulent year in world politics, especially on this front in central/south Asia. There are a few universally accepted adages through the course of human history. Never invade Russia in … Continue reading “Ayatollahs in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan”
Con-Fusion After Chernobyl?
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On April, 26, 1986 the nuclear power plant in Chernobyl experienced an explosion which led to a nuclear accident which left the area devastated. According to sources 38 people were killed instantly while up to 100,000 died from the effects of the leaked radiation. Perhaps most disturbing was the fact that if it were not …
