Posted on Dec 24, 2021
How the Soviet Union's collapse explains the current Russia-Ukraine tension
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https://www.npr.org/2021/12/24/ [login to see] /how-the-soviet-unions-collapse-explains-the-current-russia-ukraine-tension
On Christmas Day 1991, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev sat down at a table deep inside the Kremlin and prepared to deliver a monumental speech. Associated Press reporter Alan Cooperman was among the few journalists allowed in.
"We were ushered down into some kind of underground chamber where they had a formal television studio with those big, Soviet-era tripods and huge cameras." Cooperman recalled. "We sat there for a while and then Gorbachev came in."
Cooperman and AP photographer Liu Heung Shing were sternly warned not to ask questions or take pictures.
"It was an extraordinary speech. I remember thinking that Gorbachev looked very tired," Cooperman said. "He expressed trepidation about the future. But I thought he just seemed relieved."
Gorbachev announced that after 74 years as one of the world's most powerful nations, the Soviet Union no longer existed, and would break up in 15 separate countries.
On Christmas Day 1991, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev sat down at a table deep inside the Kremlin and prepared to deliver a monumental speech. Associated Press reporter Alan Cooperman was among the few journalists allowed in.
"We were ushered down into some kind of underground chamber where they had a formal television studio with those big, Soviet-era tripods and huge cameras." Cooperman recalled. "We sat there for a while and then Gorbachev came in."
Cooperman and AP photographer Liu Heung Shing were sternly warned not to ask questions or take pictures.
"It was an extraordinary speech. I remember thinking that Gorbachev looked very tired," Cooperman said. "He expressed trepidation about the future. But I thought he just seemed relieved."
Gorbachev announced that after 74 years as one of the world's most powerful nations, the Soviet Union no longer existed, and would break up in 15 separate countries.
How the Soviet Union's collapse explains the current Russia-Ukraine tension
Posted from npr.org
Russia
Ukraine
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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Good article and I remembered some ILE lessons about the Russia issue...
1. Although other countries created colonial empires, Russia's was primarily through land expansion in lieu of overseas
2. Large numbers of ethnic Russian people still live in former "stan" and USSR states
3. Loss of former states is seen as a national security issue along with prestige issue
1. Although other countries created colonial empires, Russia's was primarily through land expansion in lieu of overseas
2. Large numbers of ethnic Russian people still live in former "stan" and USSR states
3. Loss of former states is seen as a national security issue along with prestige issue
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LOL!! Charlie Brown actually said a truth here. Russia is a paranoid country when it comes to security; Napoleon and Adolph did a good job here, and Putin is a out and out Dictator wanting to restore the USSR. He only has 2 things; nukes and natural resources. Hopefully we can make his gas and oil obsolete and really screw him. If the GOP goes for green energy that is. We know how much their loser loved Puttie.
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