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Forging Democracy In The Wild Wild East: The Struggle For Freedom In The Post-Soviet Republics

Isaiah Price

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Young Mongols: Forging Democracy in the Wild, Wild East

by Aubrey Menard

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2240 KB
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Print length	:	337 pages

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left a power vacuum in Eastern Europe, and a number of newly independent republics struggled to establish democratic governments. In some cases, these efforts were successful, while in others, they were thwarted by authoritarian leaders or ethnic conflict.

The post-Soviet republics faced a number of challenges in their efforts to democratize. These challenges included:

Weak institutions. The Soviet Union had a highly centralized government, and the post-Soviet republics lacked the institutions necessary for a functioning democracy, such as a free press, an independent judiciary, and a strong civil society.
Economic instability. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to a sharp decline in economic output, and the post-Soviet republics struggled to create new markets and attract investment.
Ethnic conflict. The post-Soviet republics were home to a number of different ethnic groups, and the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the outbreak of a number of ethnic conflicts, such as the war in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Chechen wars.

Despite these challenges, a number of the post-Soviet republics were able to successfully democratize. These countries include Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and the Baltic states. These countries were able to overcome the challenges they faced by building strong institutions, promoting economic growth, and resolving ethnic conflict.

However, other post-Soviet republics were not as successful in their efforts to democratize. These countries include Russia, Belarus, and the Central Asian republics. These countries have been plagued by authoritarian leaders, economic instability, and ethnic conflict. As a result, they have been unable to build strong, democratic institutions.

The future of the post-Soviet republics will depend on their ability to build strong, democratic institutions. These institutions are essential for protecting individual rights, promoting economic growth, and resolving ethnic conflict. The post-Soviet republics that are able to build strong, democratic institutions will be more likely to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity.

Case Studies

Poland

Poland was one of the most successful post-Soviet republics in its efforts to democratize. The country held free elections in 1989, and it has since established a strong democracy with a free press, an independent judiciary, and a strong civil society. Poland has also been a major beneficiary of economic growth, and it is now one of the most prosperous countries in Eastern Europe.

Russia

Russia has been less successful in its efforts to democratize. The country has been plagued by authoritarian leaders, economic instability, and ethnic conflict. As a result, Russia has been unable to build strong, democratic institutions. The country's future will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges and build a more democratic society.

The post-Soviet republics have faced a number of challenges in their efforts to democratize. However, a number of countries have been successful in overcoming these challenges and building strong, democratic institutions. The future of the post-Soviet republics will depend on their ability to build strong, democratic institutions. These institutions are essential for protecting individual rights, promoting economic growth, and resolving ethnic conflict.

Young Mongols: Forging Democracy in the Wild, Wild East

by Aubrey Menard

4.1 out of 5