The End Of Bipolarity - Chapter 2 - Political Science - class 12th 'humanities'

Handwritten Notes

Chapter 2 -
The End Of Bipolarity 

Bipolarity. It is defined as system of would order in which majority of global economic, military and cultural influences is held between two states.

→ came into being after socialist revolution in Russia in 1917, [ USSR = 15 different republics ]

• Factors which helped the soviet Union in becoming a super- power after the second world war- → 

Soviet System awak in eco. sphere.

• (1) Improvement of economic condition-  Economic condition of USSR aften 2nd world war improved at large scale. It had good and improved communications network, vast energy resources - oil Iron and steel, machinery production and transport sector that connected remotest areas with efficiency.

(2) Domestic consumer Industry- Soviet union had a domestic consumer industry that produced everything from pins to cars- Quality does not match with western capitalist countries → Lack of democracy and absence of freedom of speech.

(3) Facilities by state- The Soviet Union (state) ensured a minimum standard of living for all its citizens and government subsidised basic necessities including health, education, childcare and other welfare schemes a created disparities between  East and West.

(4) No unemployment - There was no unemployment. State ownership was the dominant form of ownership: land and productive assests were owned and contralled by soviet state.

(5) USSR became very bureaucratic and authoritarian- It made life difficult for its citizens. Lack of democracy and absence of freedom of speech shifted people. Most of institutions of USSR need reform by communist party. Russia dominated everything and people from other region's felt neglected and often suppressed.

(6) Competition with US - USSR managed to match us from time to time. USSR logged behind west in tech, infrastructure and in fulfilling political or eco. aspirations of citizens. Societ invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 weakened the system. Wages continued to grow, productivity and tech. full considerably. It led to shortages in all consumer goods, food imports increased every year. The Soviet economy was faltering in late 1970s and become stagnant. 

• Role of Mikhail Gorbachev in disintigration of USSR-

(1) Phenomenon of two terms - Perestroika and Glasnost- The diversified society in 15 republics, landforms, structure and language of USSR got twe types of impression of Gorbachev's reform policy. 

                    Common people became impatient to bring openess. and restructuring of system more faster that these were scheduled in the policy.

                     Another was section of bureaucrats and communist, hardliners who did not want to adopt these policies. They thought- restructuring and openess would reduce their powers and luxuries. Gorbachev suffered, resigned and a coup take place in 1991 in which Communist party hardliners on one side, staunch supporter of restructuring - on other side led by Boris Yeltsin.

(2) Rise of Nationalism in republics- Gorbachev's reform policy. geared up nationalistic feelings and desire for sovereignty with various republics including- Russia and the Baltic republics. (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), Ukraine, Gerogia and others. They demanded their states severed from USSR.

(3) Sensitivity of people- These were nationalistic urges that had overthrown the tyranny of Czar about 74 years in Russia and the same forces had set in people's disposition when they come to know that only independent republics would cater to need of power sharing and an adequate representation in the govt.

(4.) Rise of a sense of comparison-  In the light of Gorbachev's policy, almost all republics associated with Soviet Union could compare the living standard of people in countries of west where free trade and private ownership of property had assured more civil rights, power sharing and representation in govt. than USSR. Therefore they preferred capitalist economy over the centralised economy under which they were suffering.

RUSSIA- Successor of soviet union, inherited soviet seat in UN security council accepted all international treaties and commitments of soviet union took over nuclear state and carried out some nuclear disarmament measures with US.

•Reasons behind / causes of disintegration of USSR

(1.) Internal weakness to soviet political and economic institutions- Institutions were failed to meet the aspirations of the people due to which collapse of system occured. Economic stagnation led to severe consumer shortages and a large section of society began do doubt and question the system.

- unwillingness of system for openess.

(2) Stagnant in administrative and political sense- Communist party that ruled soviet union for 70 years was not accountable to people. Ordinary people were alienated by show and stifling administration, rampant corruption, inability of system to correct system. It made unwillingness to allow more openess in govt, and centralisation of authority and a vast land. 

(3) Rise of Nationalism - The rise of nationalism and the desire for Sovereignty within various republles including - Russia and Baltic republics (estonia, Latvia, lithuania) Ukraine, Georgia, and others proved to be the final and most immediate cause for disintegration of USSR.

(4) No confidence in Gorbachev's promises - Gorbachev's reforms promised to deal with the problems. He promised to reform economy, catch up with west and loosen administative system, Gorbachev carried out his reforms, loosened system, set in motion forces and expectations that few could have predicted & became virtually impossible to control many sections of society were disappointed and impatient with his methods. Members of communist party felt their power and privileges were eroding and Gorbachev was moving quickly. In this 'tug of war' Gorbachev lost support on all sides and divided public opinion.

(5) Ordinary citizens became aware- All become aware about economic advancement of west. After being told - USSR was better than w. capitalism, the reality of its backwardness came as a political and psychological shock.

2nd world / Socialist bloc: After 2nd world war, European countries that soviet army liberated from fascit forces came under control of USSR, the political and econo,ic systems of countries modelled after USSR. These group of countries were socialitic bloc.

Q. Why did the system become so weak and why did economy stagnate?

Ans. The Soviet economy used much of its resources in maintaining a nuclear and military arsenal and development of its satellite States in E. europe and within USSR (5 Central Asian republics in particular). It led to a huge economic burden. 

• Factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms in USSR -

(1.) Excessive  bureaucratic contral or red tapism.

(2.) Exchequer was depleted and inflation was soaring. 

(3.) Single party dominance had become arbitrary.

• Soviet disintegration In dec. 1991 under leadership of Yeltsin. Russia, Ukraine and Belarus three republics declared soviet union was disbanded, communist party of USSR was banned. 

•Consequences of disintegration

•(1) END of the cold was confrontations - cold war confrontations came to an end. Ideological dispute over superiority of capitalist and socialist system. This dispute than engaged military of both, had end of confrontation demanded end to arms race.

(2) Powers relations in world politics changed: Therefore, relative influence of ideas and institutions changed. Institutions like World Bank and International monetary fund became powerful advisors to all countries since they gave loans for their transitions to capitalism. The notion of liberal democracy emerged as best way to organise political life

(3) End of USSR - Emergence of many new countries- All newly emerged countries have their own choices and aspirations. Baltic and East European states wanted to join european union and became part of NATO. Central Asian countries wanted to tie with both Russia and West. 

International system saw many new players emerge each with its own identity, interests, economic and political difficulties.

• Shock Therapy

The collapse of communism was followed in most of these countries by a painful process of transition from an authoritarian socialist system to a democratic capitalist system. The model of transition in Russia, central asia and east europe that was influenced by world bank and IMF came to be known as shock therapy.

 Total Shift = Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan

Features • Capitalist economy. • Free trade 

• Private farming • Trade alliance with west.

• Consequences of Shock therapy- 

(1) consequences on industries- In Russia, the large state controlled industrial complex almost collapsed. 90% of industries were put up for sale to private individuals and companies. Since, restructuring was carried out through market forces and not by government directed industrial policies. It led to disappearance of entire industries. It was called "the largest garbage sale", as valuable industries were under valued sold at throw away prices. Cities were given vochers and they sold these black market for money.

(2) Consequences on finance: The value of Rouble (Russian Currency) declined. Rate of inflation was high, all lost their savings. Collective farm system disintegrated leaving people without food security and Russia started to import food. 

       GDP in 1999 below that in 1989. The old trading structure broke with no alternative in its place. It involved break up of existing trade alliances among countries of soviet bloc.

(3) Consequences on Society - The old system of social welfare was systematically destroyed. The withdrawal of government subsidies pushed a large section of people into poverty. 

-The middle class disintegrated or migrated. 

-A mafia emerged in most of countries and started controlling many economic activities.

-Privatisation ded to new disparaties Post- Soviet states were divided into rich and poor regions. There was great economic inequality b/w people.

(4) Consequences on democratic institutions - The constitutions of these countries were drafted in a hurry, due to which Presidents became arbitrary. In central Asia, due to weak parliament, presidents became powerful & authoritarian. 

For example- The presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan appointed themselves to power for next 10 years and then extended it for another 10 years. They allowed no opposition. Judiciary was crushed under executive paramountacy.

• Major tensions and conflicts that took place in former Soviet Republics- led to human rights violation - failed to deter aspirations of freedom.

(1) In Russia, two republics- chechanya and Dagestan had violent seccessionist movements.

→ Moscow's method of dealing with chechen rebels - military bombing.

(2.) In Central Asia, Tajikstan witnessed a civil war that went on for 10 years till 2001. The region whole has many sectarian conflicts.

(3) In Azerbaijan's province of Nagorna - Karabhakh, some local Armenias want to secede and join Armenia.

(4) In Georgia civil war broke out as the two provinces demanded independence. 

(5) There are movements against the existing regimes in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.

(6) There are river disputes in the region. All this has led to instability, making life difficult for ordinary citizen.

(7) In Eastern - Europe, Czechoslovakia - split peacefully into two - Czechs and slovaks forming independent countries.

 Most conflict took place in Balkan republics of Yugoslavia. 

(8) After 1991, several provinces - croatia, Slovenia and bosania and Herzegovina declared independence.

Results  - All these tensions and conflicts have led to instability, making life difficult for ordinary citizen.

(9) NATO intervention and bombing of Yugoslavia followed inter ethnic civil war. 

(10) Central Asian Republics- vast hydrocarbon resource have economic benefit zone of competition b/w outside powers and companies.

 After 11 Sep. 2001 US wanted military bases in region and paid government of all Central Asian States to hire bases and allow airplanes to fly over their territory during wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. china has interest in oil resources.

India's oulations with Russia :-

 Post Communist-

(1). There are stronger relations b/w Russia and India. India's relations with Russia is important aspect of India's foreign policy. 

(2) Indo- Russian relations are embedded in a history of trust and common interest and are matched by popular perceptions. 

(3) India has maintained good relations with all post communist countries.

(4) Indian film heroes from Raj Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan are household names in Russia and post- soviet countries. One can hear hindi film songs all over region and India'is a part of popular memory. 

(5) India and Russia share a vision of a multipolar world order.

(6) During cold war era (1945 - 1990) India and USSR enjoyed a special relationship which led critics to say that India was a part of the Soviet camp. It was multi-dimensional relationship. 

(7) More than 80 bilateral agreements signed b/w Russia and India as part of Indo russian strategic agreements 2001.

•Benefits to India due to good and strong relations with Russia-

1.) Economic help- The soviet union assisted India's public sector companies at a time when such assistance was difficult to get. The Soviet union accepted Indian currency for trading when India was short of foreign exchange.

2) Technical Assistance- The USSR provided aid and technical assistance for steel plants like Bhilai, Bokaro, Vishakhapatnam and machinery plants like- Bharat heavy electricals Ltd etc. 

3) Political benefits - The USSR supported India's position on the Kashmir issue in the UN.

b) Russia also supported India during its major conflicts especially during war with Pakistan in 1971.

4) military equipments :- (a) India got most of its equipments from USSR at a time when few other countries were willing to part with military technologies. 

(b) The soviet union entered into various agreements allowing India to jointly produce military equipments. 

5) cultural exchange- Hindi films and Indian culture were popular in USSR. A large number of Indian writers and artists visited the USSR.

•Factors which forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms in USSR were as-

1) He wanted to keep USSR abreast of Info. and technological revolution taking place in west.

2) He want to reform Soviet economy- catch up with west and to loosen administrative system also forced Gorbachev to initiate reforms. 

3) He wanted to improve and normalise relations with the west along with democratising soviet union were focused factors to introduce reforms.

• Indo - Russian Relations - 

1) Common view on multipolar would order-  for both- multipolar world order is co-existence of several powers in international system, collective security, greater regionalism. negotiated settlements of international conflicts -independent foreign policy for all countries and decision making by UN.

2) India's stand towards Sharia - Benefits from Russia on issues like- Kashmir, energy supplies, sharing info. on terrorism, access to Central Asia.

3) Russia's stand toward India- India- 2nd largest arms market for Russia; Indian military gets most hardware from Russia. Russia Imports oil. Nuclear energy places, space industry.

→ India get cryogenic rocket from Russia whenever needed 

→ Energy imports from Russia and Republics of Kazakishstan and Turkmenistan. 

It broadened scope for partnership and investment in oilfields. 

•Timeline of disintegration of  Soviet Union

1985 march- Mikhail Gorbachev elected as General Secretary of communist party of USSR, Appoints Boris Yeltsin as  head of communist party - Initiates a series of reforms in USSR.

1988 - Independence movement begins in Lithuania; later spreads to Estonia and Latvia.

1989, Oct- USSR declares that warsaw pact members are - free to decide their own futures

 Berlin wall falls in Nov., which Symbolised division b/w capitalist and communist world.

1990 February- Gorbachev strips the Soviet communist part. of its 72-year-long monopoly on роwer by calling parliament (Duma) to permit multi-party politics.

1990 march - Lithuania becomes first of 15 soviet republics to declare its independence.

1990 June - Russian parliament declares its independence from USSR.

1991 June- Yeltsin, no longer in communist party, becomes President of Russia.

1991 August - The communist party hardliners stage an abortive coup against Gorbachev.

1991 September- Three Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania become UN members.  (later join NATO in March 2004)

1991 December- Russia, Belarus and ukraine decide to annul the 1922 Treaty on the creation of the USSR and establish the commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)",

 Armenia, Azerbaijan, maldava, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan join the CIS (Georgia join later in 1993) Russia takes the USSR seat in the United Nations.

1991 December 25 - Disintegration of USSR.

 

  

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