THE END OF BIPOLARITY

 THE END OF BIPOLARITY 

1. Meaning of Bipolarity

• Bipolarity = Two superpowers dominating world politics.

• After World War II → USA (Capitalist Bloc) and USSR (Communist Bloc).

• This era lasted till 1991.

2. USSR: Background

• USSR formed in 1917 after Russian Revolution.

• It followed socialism, ruled by Communist Party, and had:

  • Planned economy

  • State control over resources

  • No private property

  • Welfare policies like free education, health, employment

3. Causes of the Disintegration of the USSR (1991)

(VERY IMPORTANT FOR MP BOARD)

A. Political Causes

1. Authoritarian rule – No political freedom, one-party system.

2. Rise of nationalism in different Soviet republics (Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia, etc.).

3. Lack of democratic practices compared to western countries.

B. Economic Causes

1. Stagnant economy – Low productivity, shortages of consumer goods.

2. Centralised planning failed to meet needs of people.

3. Huge military expenditure → economy overburdened.

C. Gorbachev’s Reforms

1. Glasnost (open discussion, transparency)

2. Perestroika (economic restructuring)

3. Democratisation

4. Reforms were too sudden, causing instability and confusion.

D. External Factors

1. Arms race with the USA → economic pressure.

2. Influence of western ideas, media, technology.

✔ Disintegration (1991):

• USSR broke into 15 independent countries.

• Cold War ended.

• Russia emerged as the successor state.

4. Consequences of the Disintegration of the USSR

A. End of Cold War

• No more bipolarity; USA became the only superpower (unipolar world).

B. Emergence of New Countries

• 15 new states such as:
  Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.

C. Change in World Politics

• Power shifted to global institutions like UN, IMF, World Bank.

D. Capitalism Spread

• Many new countries adopted market economy, private property, democracy.

E. NATO Expanded

• NATO admitted many former Soviet bloc countries.

F. Economic Crisis in Russia

• Inflation, unemployment, poverty, decline in health and education.

5. Shock Therapy

(after 1991)

Meaning:

• Sudden shift from communism to capitalist market economy.

Main Features:

1. Privatisation

2. Free trade

3. Opening economy to foreign investment

4. Ending state subsidies

5. Currency convertibility

Results (Mostly Negative):

• Massive unemployment

• Inflation

• Rise of oligarchs (rich businessmen)

• Fall in living standards

6. India and Russia: Post-Cold War Relations

Strong Partnership in:

• Defence (missiles, aircraft, submarines)

• Space technology (ISRO-Roscosmos)

• Energy (oil & nuclear cooperation)

• Trade

• Diplomatic support (e.g., UN Security Council)

India–Russia Relations = Special and Strategic Partnership

7. Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

• Formed after USSR breakup.

• Includes 11 countries.

• Purpose: economic cooperation, security, and coordination.

8. NATO and Former Soviet States

• NATO expanded eastward after 1991.

• This created tension between Russia & Western countries.

9. Central Asian Republics (CARs)

• Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.

• Rich in oil, gas.

• Importance for India: Energy cooperation & regional security.

10. Unipolar World

• After USSR collapse → USA became sole superpower.

• Called the “American moment”

1. Very Short Answer Questions

Q1. When did the USSR disintegrate?

Ans. In 1991.

Q2. Name the two superpowers of the Cold War.

Ans. USA and USSR.

Q3. Who introduced Glasnost and Perestroika?

Ans. Mikhail Gorbachev.

Q4. How many republics were formed after the USSR disintegration?

Ans. 15 independent republics.

2. Short Answer Questions (3–4 marks)

Q5. What is Glasnost?

Ans. Glasnost means openness.
It was introduced by Gorbachev to allow:

• Freedom of speech

• Transparency in government

• Public discussion of issues

Q6. Mention any three consequences of the end of Cold War.

Ans.

1. End of bipolarity; USA became the sole superpower.

2. Emergence of 15 new states after USSR breakup.

3. Rise of capitalism and globalisation.

Q7. What is Shock Therapy?

Ans. Shock Therapy refers to the rapid transition from a socialist economy to a capitalist economy in post-Soviet countries.
It included privatisation, free markets, and foreign investment.
It caused unemployment, poverty, and inflation.

3. Long Answer Questions (5 marks)

Q8. Explain the causes of the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Ans.
The USSR disintegrated due to several reasons:

1. Political Causes – One-party rule, no democracy, rising nationalism.

2. Economic Causes – Low productivity, shortages, over-centralised planning.

3. Gorbachev’s Reforms – Glasnost & Perestroika created instability.

4. Arms Race – Huge military expenditure against USA weakened economy.

5. Public Dissatisfaction – People demanded better living standards and freedoms.

These combined factors led to the breakup of the USSR into 15 countries in 1991.

Q9. Describe India–Russia relations after 1991.

Ans.
India and Russia maintained strong relations after the Cold War.
They cooperate in:

1. Defence – India buys aircraft, submarines, missiles from Russia.

2. Space – Joint missions and satellite launching.

3. Energy – Oil, gas, nuclear cooperation.

4. Trade – Pharmaceuticals, machinery, diamond trade.

5. Russia supports India in the UN on major issues.
   This makes their partnership stable and strategic.

Q10. What were the results of Shock Therapy in Russia?

Ans.
Shock therapy created major problems:

1. Fall in living standards

2. Massive unemployment

3. Rise of oligarchs

4. Inflation and poverty

5. Decline in welfare services

6. Economic inequality

Thus, it failed to bring stable economic growth.