Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)

The Berlin Wall, built in 1961, symbolised the division of the Cold War world. Its fall marked the unification of Germany and the collapse of Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe. It signified the beginning of the end of bipolarity.

Nature of the Soviet System

The USSR, born from the 1917 Russian Revolution, was based on socialist ideology, state ownership of resources, and one-party rule by the Communist Party. It guaranteed welfare (health, education, housing, jobs) but denied democracy and civil liberties. Russia dominated the 15-republic federation, leading to feelings of neglect and suppression among other republics.

Internal Weaknesses

Economic stagnation since the 1970s, technological backwardness, and low productivity. Heavy expenditure on the arms race, Afghanistan invasion (1979), and subsidies to Eastern Europe strained the system. Growing alienation of citizens due to corruption, bureaucratisation, and lack of accountability.

Gorbachev’s Reforms (1985–1991)

Introduced Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness) to democratise and modernise. Reforms unleashed popular expectations and nationalist movements in Baltic states, Ukraine, Georgia, and others. Communist hardliners attempted a coup (1991), but Boris Yeltsin resisted and gained popular support.

Disintegration of the USSR (1991)

Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus declared the dissolution of the USSR. Formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Russia accepted the Soviet seat at the UN Security Council and inherited nuclear arsenal. Communist Party was banned; transition to democracy and capitalism began.

Consequences of Disintegration

End of the Cold War and the ideological contest between socialism and capitalism. Emergence of a unipolar world led by the United States. Transition to democratic politics and market economies through ‘shock therapy’ – often disastrous. Rise of new independent states, many facing civil wars and ethnic conflicts (e.g., Chechnya, Yugoslavia).

Impact on India

India lost the USSR as a powerful ally but retained strong ties with Russia. Russia supported India on Kashmir and defence; supplied arms, space and nuclear technology, and energy resources. Indo-Russian cooperation became a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, with a shared vision of a multipolar world.