Understanding Liberal Shock Therapy and Its Impact on Russia

The video discusses the dissolution of the USSR and the application of shock therapy in Russia. It critiques the Western narrative of the USSR's collapse as a triumph of capitalism and highlights the harsh realities of shock therapy, including economic turmoil and the rise of oligarchs. The video calls for genuine democracy and peace, contrasting the intended outcomes of shock therapy with its actual effects.

What is the Western narrative about the fall of the USSR?

• A triumph of democracy over communism

• A failure of capitalism

• A peaceful transition to socialism

• An inevitable rise of dictatorship

What does shock therapy aim to achieve in an economy?

• Return to feudal economic systems

• Maintenance of a planned economy

• Sudden shift to a capitalist economy

• Gradual transition to socialism

Who was the Russian leader responsible for implementing shock therapy?

• Vladimir Putin

• Mikhail Gorbachev

• Boris Yeltsin

• Leonid Brezhnev

What was one major consequence of the rapid privatization in Russia?

• Creation of a large middle class

• Strengthening of the planned economy

• Decrease in organized crime

• Rise of the Russian oligarchy

How did shock therapy affect the Russian economy in the early 1990s?

• It reduced poverty levels

• It stabilized the currency

• It caused hyperinflation and unemployment

• It led to economic prosperity

What was the impact of shock therapy on Russian democracy?

• It strengthened democratic institutions

• It led to the establishment of a monarchy

• It had no impact on democracy

• It resulted in political repression

What role did the IMF play in Russia's economic transition?

• It provided unconditional financial support

• It withheld funds until reforms were implemented

• It opposed the transition to capitalism

• It encouraged a return to communism

What was a significant social impact of shock therapy in Russia?

• Increased life expectancy

• Improved healthcare systems

• Widespread poverty and inequality

• Universal access to education

How did shock therapy influence Russia's dependency on natural resources?

• It diversified the economy

• It reduced dependency on oil and gas

• It eliminated the need for exports

• It increased reliance on fossil fuels

What is a long-term consequence of shock therapy in Russia?

• Continued economic domination by oligarchs

• Return to a planned economy

• Establishment of a strong democracy

• Complete eradication of poverty