Information Related to "An Overview of Conditions Around the World - Jan/Feb 1999"
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An Overview of Conditions Around the World
A troubled Russia struggles with an uncertain transition
The close of the Cold War period nearly 10 years ago was more than only a victory
for the Western powers. It brought the end of a political and economic way of life
that had dominated Russia and the Soviet Union since 1917. Subsequently the far-from-smooth
transition from communism to capitalism has been fraught with many pitfalls, and
its eventual success is by no means sure.
Coming to terms with its loss of superpower status, coupled with the loss of satellite
states and the Eastern European empire, has been no easy task. In fact, many things
trouble the Russians: a beleaguered national government; NATO expansion; an economy
in tatters; a culture suffering from severe social strains; the worst potato and
grain harvest in years; and the threat of imminent starvation in the coming months.
This last prospect most concerns Western nations. After all, Russia still has the
world's second-largest nuclear arsenal. As Michael Binyon and Charles Bremmer reported
for The Times (of London), "Russia is on the brink of severe food shortages that
could pose a security threat to the West, intelligence sources have concluded. The
fears confirm Moscow's predictions that supplies could run out in weeks."
However, the security threat is not the only thing to be worried about. The Times
continued: "The worry in Western capitals is that food shortages could lead to demonstrations
and rioting that might topple the government. This could lead to unpredictable political
consequences (including a potential return to communism) as well as the possible
flight of thousands of refugees to the West."
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