1. The End of Bipolarity
The chapter discusses the significant historical events leading to the end of bipolarity marked by the collapse of the Soviet Union and communist regimes in Eastern Europe. It explores how these developments reshaped international relations and power structures, resulting in the emergence of multiple new countries and the reorientation of political and economic systems from communism to capitalism in the former Soviet bloc. The chapter further examines the implications of these changes, particularly in relation to India's foreign policy.
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What we have learnt
- The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the collapse of the 'second world' and communism in Eastern Europe.
- The disintegration of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of many independent states with diverse political aspirations.
- Shock therapy was a controversial economic reform approach used to transition from communism to capitalism, resulting in significant economic and social challenges.
Key Concepts
- -- Perestroika
- Economic and political reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union aimed at restructuring the economy and increasing openness.
- -- Glasnost
- A policy of openness introduced by Gorbachev that allowed for more freedom of expression and transparency in government.
- -- Shock Therapy
- A rapid transition strategy from a planned economy to a market-oriented economy that involved privatization and deregulation.
- -- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- A regional organization formed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, consisting of former Soviet republics.
- -- Bipolarity
- A term referring to the distribution of global power politically and militarily between two superpowers, namely the US and the USSR during the Cold War.
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