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TOPIC: DISINTEGRATION OF THE ‘2 ND WORLD’ AND THE COLLAPSE OF BIPOLARITY.
Q.1: What are the cause of the disintegration of soviet union ?
Ans. Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of USSR in 1985. He
introduced political and economic reforms in the political and economic system of Soviet Union.
Following factors forced Gorbachev to initiate the reforms in USSR :-
1) The soviet union became a great power after a 2nd world war. In the arms race, the Soviet Union
managed to match the American Bloc but at great cost. To maintain the position of super power,
USSR required a lot of expenditure to keep big forces and giving financial and military aid to
allies. But the economy of USSR was not sound. The Soviet Economy was at very low level in
1980 and became stagnant.
2) The Soviet Union lagged behind the west in technology, infrastructure , etc.
3) The Soviet System was very bureaucrative and authoritarian and citizens were not happy with
the political system. Absence of freedom of speech and political rights created frustration among
the people.
4) Communist Party controlled the govt. and all institutions and was not responsible to the people.
There was no opposition party and no democratic values.
5) The soviet union failed in fulfilling the political and economic aspiration of the citizens.
6) Invasions of Afghanistan weakened the Soviet Union economically and politically.
Q.2: Discuss the consequences of disintegration of USSR.
ANS. Consequences of disintegration of Soviet Union—Disintegration of USSR had

profound consequences on world politics. Main consequences of disintegration of USSR were as
follow :
1. End of cold war. Major consequence of disintegration of soviet union was the end of cold
war. It ended the atmosphere of fear, terror, insecurity and apprehension of outbreak of
nuclear war.
2. End of Bi-polarity and Emergence of Uni-polarity. The disintegration of soviet union
ended Bi-polarity of world politics and there emerged Uni-polarity in world politics. The
USA became the sole super-power and no other country as in a position to challenge the
supremacy of USA. Even the UN is dominated by USA and generally decisions are taken in
the UN according to her whims.
3. End of Arms Race. Another consequence of the disintegration of soviet union was the end
of arms race. Elimination of Soviet Bloc also put restrictions on military alliances and
encouraged disarmament.
4. Superiority of democracy and capitalist system. Disintegration of Soviet Union
established the superiority of capitalist system and open market. Majority of the Union
Republics of Soviet Union who became independent countries had adopted democratic and
capitalist system. Even china has adopted many principles of private economy and capitalist
system. Following USSR India adopted planned economy in the beginning. But since 1990
policy of libralisation has been followed in India. Supported by USA the capitalist economic
has become now the dominant economic system internationally. The importance of World
Bank and International Monetary Fund has increased because they give loans to these
countries.
5. Emergence of many new countries. All the 15 Union Republics of USSR have become
independent states. Each country has its own political aspirations. Some of them, especially
the Baltic and East European states, wanted to join the European union and become
members of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The central Asian countries were interested
in taking advantage of their geographical location and thus these countries wanted close
relations with Russia, USA, China and others. Thus many new players (states) enter in
international identity.
Q.3: What was Shock Therapy? Was this the best way to make a transition from
communism to capitalism?
Ans. After the collapse of communism the process of change in these countries started from
an authoritarian socialist system to democratic capitalist system. The model of transition in
Russia, Central Asia and East Europe that was influenced by World Bank and the
International Monetary Fund came to be known as Shock Therapy. Though the shock
therapy differs in intensity and speed amongst former communist countries, but it’s
direction and features were quite common. Free trade and open competition was to be
followed by these countries for development. In simple words, these countries were required
to follow economic and political system of western countries. These countries were not
allowed to follow mixed economy. They had to follow western capitalist system in full way.
The western countries now became their leaders, guided and controlled the economy of
these countries through various agencies and institutions.
Was this the best way to make a transition from communism to capitalism?
This was definitely not the best way to make a transition from communism to capitalism. In
these countries change from state ownership to private ownership brought the industries to
stand still for the time being and the production came down very heavily. There was great
shortage of consumer goods. Even daily necessities of live were not available. Black
marketers and stockist took full advantage of the situation and they became thriving. Prices
were very high and it was beyond the capacity of masses. Almost all these countries faced
problems of poverty, unemployment and miserable condition. Politically also people were
not gainers. In many countries democratic set up was changed into authoritarian and liberties
of the citizens. Thus, we conclude this was not the best way to make a transition from
communism to capitalism.
Q.4: Examine India’s relations with the former Soviet Union during Cold War.
Ans. India, in the beginning had tense relations with USSR but India’s policy of non-
alignment became clear, the relations improved, India and USSR developed friendly ties
with each other.
India’s relation with USSR during Nehru-Era. India had some relations with USSR
even before independence an Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru was a strong supporter of Soviet
Revolution. Soviet Union was deadly opposed to imperialism and Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru
was also against colonialism and imperialism.
India, in the beginning of Korean war which took place in 1950, declared north korea
aggressor and thus offended Soviet Union. But as India changed its attitude towards Korean
war, India and Russia came closer. P.M Stalin highly appreciated Pt. Nehru’s efforts for
peace.
Pt. Nehru visited Soviet Union in June, 1955. Both the countries expressed their faith in the
Principles of Panchsheel. The visit of Soviet leaders Bulganin and Khrushchev to India
improved Indo-Soviet relations all the more.
During Indo-China war in 1962 Soviet Union compelled China to check its aggressive
tendency and assisted India. Soviet Union supplied Mig aircrafts to India.
Indo-Pak war and Soviet Union. When Indo-Pak war took place in Sept. 1965,
Soviet Union appealed to both the countries for Ceasefire. Tashkent Agreement took place
due to Soviet leaders.
Indra-Era and India’s relations with soviet Union. On 9th Aug. 1971, India and
Soviet Union signed a Treaty of peace and cooperation. Pakistan attacked India in Dec.
1971. USA and China supported Pakistan. But USSR fully supported India. India won this
war this war and Bangladesh emerged as a independent nation.
In short, during cold war relationship between India and Soviet Union remained very
cordial and cooperative.
Q.5: Write a short note on India-Soviet Treaty of 1971.

Ans. On 9th Aug. 1971 India and Soviet union signed a treaty of peace, friendship and co-
operation. This treaty was for 20 years and its documents were exchanged at Moscow. It led
to intimate relations between both the countries. The 1971 treaty was the first political treaty
concluded by India with one of the superpowers. There were 12 Articles in this treaty and
following were the main among 12 Articles :
1) Both the countries are desirous of maintaining and developing the present mutual
friendly relations.
2) Both the countries believe that mutual friendship and Co-operation will be in the
interests of Asia and world peace, apart from the mutual benefit of both the
countries.
3) Faith in peaceful co-existence and co-operation.
4) Solution of international problems with peace and mutual co-operation.

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TOPIC: DISINTEGRATION OF THE ‘2 ND WORLD’ AND THE COLLAPSE OF BIPOLARITY.

Q.1: What are the cause of the disintegration of soviet union ?

Q.2: Discuss the consequences of disintegration of USSR.

ANS. Consequences of disintegration of Soviet Union—Disintegration of USSR had

Q.5: Write a short note on India-Soviet Treaty of 1971.

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