After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia entered a new world of uncertainty. Boris Yeltsin pushed for economic reform, fought against economic inequality, and he fought against corruption. Sadly though, Russia continues to struggle with major problems of corruption and an unstable economy. Such struggles have led many to ask, is Russia's transition to capitalism and "democracy" the same Russian story of too much too fast? The other problem that Russia faces is the existence of Vladimir Putin, and his position as Prime Minister even after he can no longer constitutionally serve as President. So where is Russia now? Who even runs Russia? The BBC had an excellent article drop some months ago that addresses just that, and you can read it by clicking here. Also, you may remember that back at the beginning of the school year, Russia and Georgia got into a bit of a conflict. It was at that time that the current Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, outlined his Five Principles of a New Russian World Order. Interestingly, I posted this same article at the beginning of the school year on this blog, but I'd like you to read it again with almost an entire year of AP World History under your belt (you can read it by clicking here). I'm quite sure you'll get more out of it the second time around. What are your thoughts and opinions on what seems to be the latest Russia emerging? Also, for comparison purposes, you may also want to check out the EU Special Report that the BBC has as an ongoing feature by clicking here. How are the two regions going in different directions? What similarities do they share? What do you think of the prospect of a United States of Europe? Your thoughts...
Monday, March 30, 2009
Where is Russia Now?
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia entered a new world of uncertainty. Boris Yeltsin pushed for economic reform, fought against economic inequality, and he fought against corruption. Sadly though, Russia continues to struggle with major problems of corruption and an unstable economy. Such struggles have led many to ask, is Russia's transition to capitalism and "democracy" the same Russian story of too much too fast? The other problem that Russia faces is the existence of Vladimir Putin, and his position as Prime Minister even after he can no longer constitutionally serve as President. So where is Russia now? Who even runs Russia? The BBC had an excellent article drop some months ago that addresses just that, and you can read it by clicking here. Also, you may remember that back at the beginning of the school year, Russia and Georgia got into a bit of a conflict. It was at that time that the current Russian president, Dmitry Medvedev, outlined his Five Principles of a New Russian World Order. Interestingly, I posted this same article at the beginning of the school year on this blog, but I'd like you to read it again with almost an entire year of AP World History under your belt (you can read it by clicking here). I'm quite sure you'll get more out of it the second time around. What are your thoughts and opinions on what seems to be the latest Russia emerging? Also, for comparison purposes, you may also want to check out the EU Special Report that the BBC has as an ongoing feature by clicking here. How are the two regions going in different directions? What similarities do they share? What do you think of the prospect of a United States of Europe? Your thoughts...
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4 comments:
spheres of influence AGAIN??
that is not a very good sign.
the russian government has some fair statements but we really need to drop it with the sphere of influence policy
could we call this the Medvedev Doctrine?
Yes, spheres of influence has much more meaning now...
Medvedev Doctrine? Perhaps
Also interesting is the refusing to accept a unipolar world with only one global power. Is this a reinvigoration of the Cold War? I think not, but Russia wants to be taken seriously.
Medvedev stresses he does not want isolation, and does not want to make enemies.
you can at least see that russia isn't trying to start another cold war in that they don't want one country calling the shots. kinda like what they had in the 19th centry, but wit ha modern twist of having it looser.
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