Q1. Explain the factors responsible for the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Introduction:
The disintegration of the USSR in 1991 was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. It ended the Cold War and altered global power structures.

Body:
1. Economic stagnation: long-term slowdown, low productivity, technological backwardness, heavy military expenditure.
2. Political weakness: one-party system, corruption, lack of accountability.
3. Gorbachev’s reforms: Perestroika and Glasnost raised expectations but triggered nationalist aspirations.
4. Nationalism: Baltic republics, Ukraine, Georgia demanded independence.
5. Failed coup (1991): Communist hardliners failed, weakening central authority.
6. Boris Yeltsin: emerged as democratic leader, declared Russia’s sovereignty.

Conclusion:
Thus, economic, political, and nationalistic factors combined with failed reforms caused the USSR collapse.

Q2. Discuss the consequences of the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Introduction:
The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War and transformed global politics.

Body:
1. End of ideological rivalry – capitalism dominant.
2. Unipolar world – US became sole superpower.
3. Emergence of new states – Baltic and Central Asian republics.
4. Economic transition – shock therapy led to inequality and poverty.
5. Security concerns – ethnic wars in Chechnya, Yugoslavia, Georgia.

Conclusion:
The end of bipolarity created opportunities for democracy but also instability and US hegemony.

Q3. Evaluate the impact of the disintegration of the Soviet Union on India.

Introduction:
The collapse of the USSR affected India deeply, as the Soviet Union was its strongest ally.

Body:
1. Loss of a reliable partner – USSR supported India in Kashmir and international issues.
2. Economic impact – end of rupee-rouble trade hurt India’s foreign exchange.
3. Defence and technology – Russia continued to supply arms, nuclear, and space technology.
4. Shift in foreign policy – India diversified global relations.
5. Strategic partnership with Russia – continued strong cooperation.

Conclusion:
The disintegration created challenges and opportunities; India retained Russia but expanded globally.

Q4. What was “Shock Therapy”? Analyse its consequences for the post-communist countries.

Introduction:
After the fall of communism, many post-Soviet countries adopted radical reforms called shock therapy.

Body:
1. Definition – sudden transition to capitalism promoted by IMF/World Bank.
2. Measures – privatisation, liberalisation, withdrawal of subsidies.
3. Consequences – collapse of industries, inflation, unemployment, rise of mafia.
4. Regional variation – Baltic states moved to EU/NATO, Central Asia remained authoritarian.

Conclusion:
Shock therapy promised prosperity but caused poverty and instability.

Q5. Analyse the role of Gorbachev’s reforms in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Introduction:
Gorbachev’s reforms aimed to modernise but unintentionally sped up collapse.

Body:
1. Perestroika – economic restructuring with limited private ownership.
2. Glasnost – political openness, criticism allowed.
3. Impact – raised expectations, strengthened nationalism.
4. Weakness – divided society; some thought too fast, others too slow.

Conclusion:
The reforms triggered uncontrollable forces that led to disintegration.

Q6. How did nationalism contribute to the disintegration of the USSR?

Introduction:
The USSR was diverse; nationalism played a central role in collapse.

Body:
1. Baltic states demanded independence.
2. Eastern republics like Ukraine, Georgia followed.
3. Russian dominance created resentment.
4. Nationalism became the immediate cause for breakup.

Conclusion:
Suppressed nationalism erupted during reforms, making unity impossible.

Q7. Describe the global consequences of the emergence of the United States as the sole superpower after 1991.

Introduction:
After the USSR collapse, the US became the only superpower.

Body:
1. Military power – US led interventions worldwide.
2. Economic dominance – IMF, World Bank, WTO shaped policies.
3. Spread of democracy – liberal model promoted.
4. Challenges – rise of multipolar aspirations.

Conclusion:
The unipolar moment strengthened the US but generated global resistance.

Q8. Assess the impact of Soviet disintegration on world politics.

Introduction:
The collapse of the USSR transformed power and ideology.

Body:
1. End of bipolarity – blocs dissolved.
2. Spread of democracy – new constitutions.
3. Rise of conflicts – ethnic wars in Yugoslavia, Chechnya.
4. Multipolar aspirations – Russia, China, EU, India.

Conclusion:
Soviet collapse ended ideological conflict but created new challenges.

Q9. Compare the Soviet model of socialism with Western capitalism.

Introduction:
Cold War divided the world between socialism and capitalism.

Body:
1. Soviet socialism – state ownership, planning, welfare, no freedom.
2. Western capitalism – private ownership, market, consumerism, democracy.
3. Strengths/weaknesses – USSR ensured equality but lacked innovation; West provided prosperity but inequality.

Conclusion:
The rivalry showed ideological contrasts and eventual weakness of socialism.

Q10. Examine India’s foreign policy response to the end of bipolarity.

Introduction:
With the USSR collapse, India recalibrated foreign policy.

Body:
1. Maintained ties with Russia – defence, nuclear, space.
2. Diversification – closer ties with US, EU, ASEAN.
3. Economic reforms – 1991 liberalisation aligned with globalisation.
4. Strategic autonomy – balanced relations while keeping independence.

Conclusion:
India balanced old partnerships with new opportunities, securing multipolar role.