What shifts is superpower status have occured in the last century?

Question 0

Warsaw Pact

Answer 0

Established in 1955in response to NATO in the west. It is made up of central and eastern European countries. It was a military treaty which bound it’s signatories to come to the aid of others should any of them be a victim of foreign aggression.
As well as in Eastern Europe, there was a soviet influence in Africa and central/south America. Influence in the form of military and finance. Fighting against communism was the main US foreign policy until the collapse of the USSR in 1991. USSR collapsed due to reforms in 1985 by President Gorbachev to combat some discontent within the USSR.

Question 1

Buffer states

Answer 1

USSR tried to remove threat of direct attack by occupying countries in Eastern Europe. Communist government set up in each state.

Question 2

Glasnot

Answer 2

Greater political freedom.

Question 3

Perstoika

Answer 3

Relaxed economic control, allowing businesses to sell privately.

Question 4

Spread of Communism

Answer 4

Spread of Communism caused shock waves in the USA during 20th century. The USA feared Communist expansion and this dominated US foreign policy until 1991. 80% decline in Russian investment during the 90s caused factories to stop and economic production fell by 50% causing unemployment.

Question 5

Social impacts of the change in Russia

Answer 5

Mass migration of young Russians overseas.
Russian population declined steadily during the 90s.
Sharp decline in government revenue causing welfare cutbacks.
Fall in male life expectancy to 59.

Question 6

Russia and oil

Answer 6

Gas and oil meant that Russia could re-emerge. They account for 60% of Russian exports in 2007. Loans from the IMF and rapid development of China and India has meant they require large amounts of oil and gas.