Transcript Chapter 17: Russia’s Issues Today

Chapter 17: Russia’s
Issues Today
Section 1: Regional Conflict
S
Quick Review…
S What areas did the Soviet Union Control?
S How did the Soviets/Soviet Leaders maintain control?
S When did the Soviet Union collapse?
S What happened in these areas after the collapse of the
Soviet Union?
The Caucasus Region
S Caucasia.
S North of Caucasus Mtns. are
republics that are part of Russia.
S Chechnya, Dagestan, & North
Ossetia.
S Republics of Transcaucasia.
S Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan.
S 12+ languages and 50+ ethnic
groups
Caucasian Languages
S
What do you
notice about the
distribution on
languages?
Chechnya
S Chechnya remains part of Russia following Soviet collapse.
S Chechnya has demanded independence – invaded by Russia twice.
S 100,000 casualties.
S 1994 Invasion – Russia captures 2/3 of Chechnya before reaching
a standstill.
S 1999 Invasion – Russia invades after blaming Chechnya for
bombing Russian cities.
S As recent as 2010-2012 this second phase has continued…
Georgia
S Independent Republic.
S Georgia has controlled South Ossetia.
S South Ossetia tried to regroup with North Ossetia.
S Led to conflict with Russia in 1996 and 2008.
S Both times Georgia was defeated.
S Abkhazia- region of Georgia close to black sea where the Ethnic
Abkhazians forced the Georgians to leave.
Armenia/Azerbaijan
S Both countries fighting over the region of Nagorno-
Karabakh.
S Azerbaijan – region belongs to us because we have a history
or controlling it.
S Armenia – region belongs to us because 70% of people are
Armenian.
S Ceasefire declared in 1994 – still no resolution.
Chechnya Case Study
S https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnMeD-kdJLQ
S https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OtK6fGP12k
Chechnya Case Study
S Why is the violence in Chechnya and the rest of Caucasia
so widespread?
S What is the root of this violence?
S Group Analysis
S What does your article suggest as the main theme.
S Give us a few sentences summary we can take with us.
Article 1
S
Chechen Rebels Mainly Driven by Nationalism/Chechen Nationalism
and the Tragedy of the Struggle for Independence
S
This article talks about how Chechnya is supported by Muslims. This is
mainly being fought by Chechens, meaning it is nationalist driven. Some
Islamic groups are helping by trying to use this as an excuse to start a war
between religions.
Article 2
S
Taming Chechnya
S
This region has a history of violence and when the Soviet Union, who
controlled Chechnya at the time, fell the Chechens decided they wanted
independence. Russia didn’t agree and this led to conflict. During the war
the western media sided with Chechnya.
Article 3
S
The Rise of the Chechen Emirate?
S
Nationalists vs. Jihadists
S
Nationalist leaders delegitimizing jihad force after jihad leaders fled the
country
Discussion
S Why is the violence in Chechnya and the rest of Caucasia
so widespread?
S What is the root of this violence?
S Which root cause has had the most impact?
S Do any of these causes relate to one another? Do any of
these causes affect the other causes?
Wrap-Up Questions
S From the notes, what do you feel like plays a contribution to
the volatility of the region?
S What do you think is needed to diffuse tension in this
region?
Twitter out the Door…
S Ticket out the door – Twitter style.
S Based on what we have discussed today
S In your opinion, what has impact the region of Caucasia the
most that has allowed it to become a “powder keg of
extremism?” What makes you say that?
Example
S My “Tweet:”
S I didn’t realize how much of a role the economy actually plays
in the development of a country. It is directly tied to a rise in
conflict as well.
S My hashtag:
S #PoorRepublicProbs
Chapter 17: Russia’s
Issues Today
Section 2: Struggle for Economic Reform
S
Economic Troubles
S Economies with in Russia and republics are still hurting
from communism.
S Governments have problems trying create positive policies.
S Growth is slow and steady.
Privatization
S
Post Soviet Union: Russia
removes the price controls on all
goods.
S
250% increase in cost.
S
Privatization: selling of
government business to private
individuals.
S
Economic collapse of 1998
caused by privatization.
Cost of Economic Change
S Since 1998, Russia is slowly recovering.
S Not benefiting normal Russians.
S End of 1990’s: 40% below the poverty line.
S Several causes of slow and unsteady progress.
Obstacles to Reform
S Distance Decay: long distances between places make
communication and transportation difficult.
S 11 Times zones, 89 regional governments, 14 nations.
S Governmental cooperation is not always a good thing.
S President Putin created 7 federal districts.
Russia’s Federal Districts
Organized Crime
S Russian Mafia – grew rapidly during the middle 1990s.
S Mafia created a second economy within the Russian
economy.
S 40% of private businesses.
S 60% of government owned businesses.
S Government basically has no power over the mafia.
Russian Prospects
S 2001: Russia economy steadily picking up speed.
S 2008: Global Recession hits Russia hard.
S 2010: Russia once again slowly getting “better.”
S Political Future:
S Vladimir Putin.
S Repressive policies.