chapter 14-15

Question 1

Collapse of civic virtue

Answer 1

A breakdown in societal values and public ethics, often leading to increased corruption and weakened governance.

Question 2

Boris Yeltsin

Answer 2

The first President of the Russian Federation (1991–1999), known for pushing market reforms and dismantling Soviet structures.

Question 3

State Committee on the Emergency Situation

Answer 3

A group of hardline Soviet officials who attempted a coup in August 1991 to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Question 4

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

Answer 4

A regional organization of former Soviet republics formed in 1991 to facilitate cooperation after the USSR’s dissolution.

Question 5

Glasnost

Answer 5

A Soviet policy initiated by Gorbachev in the 1980s, promoting openness, transparency, and freedom of information.

Question 6

Perestroika

Answer 6

Gorbachev’s policy of economic and political restructuring in the Soviet Union aimed at reforming the stagnant economy.

Question 7

New thinking

Answer 7

Gorbachev’s foreign policy approach, emphasizing diplomacy and cooperation over Cold War hostilities.

Question 8

Democratization

Answer 8

The process of introducing democratic principles, including multi-party elections, into Soviet and post-Soviet governance.

Question 9

Shock therapy

Answer 9

An economic approach that rapidly transitions a state-controlled economy to a free-market system, as attempted in Russia in the 1990s.

Question 10

Yegor Gaidar

Answer 10

Russian economist and acting Prime Minister in 1992, known for implementing shock therapy reforms in Russia.

Question 11

New Russians

Answer 11

A term for wealthy Russians who rapidly gained wealth and status in the chaotic post-Soviet market economy.

Question 12

Oligarchs

Answer 12

Powerful business magnates in post-Soviet Russia, who acquired significant political influence and wealth during privatization.

Question 13

Russian mafia

Answer 13

Criminal organizations that gained power and influence during Russia’s economic transition in the 1990s.

Question 14

Memorial

Answer 14

A Russian human rights organization focused on documenting Soviet political repression and preserving historical memory.

Question 15

Viktor Chernomyrdin

Answer 15

Russian Prime Minister from 1992 to 1998, noted for his moderate stance and role in economic reform efforts.

Question 16

Alexander Rutskoi

Answer 16

Russian Vice President (1991–1993) who opposed Yeltsin’s economic reforms and was involved in the 1993 constitutional crisis.

Question 17

Russia’s Choice

Answer 17

A liberal political bloc led by Yegor Gaidar in the 1993 Russian parliamentary elections, advocating for market reforms.

Question 18

Cronyism

Answer 18

Favoritism in the distribution of political and economic resources, often seen in Russia’s post-Soviet period.

Question 19

Gennady Zyuganov

Answer 19

Leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, an influential opposition figure in post-Soviet politics.

Question 20

General Alexander Lebed

Answer 20

A prominent Russian military officer and politician known for his efforts to reduce crime and advocate for military reform.

Question 21

Grigory Yavlinsky

Answer 21

Russian economist and founder of the Yabloko party, advocating for democratic reforms and human rights.

Question 22

START I and II

Answer 22

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaties between the US and USSR/Russia aimed at reducing nuclear weapons arsenals.