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Old Problems, New Energy: After Two Decades of Independence, Societies Are Facing the Same Challenges with Renewed Vigor

David Foster Wallace

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Published in Armenian Civil Society: Old Problems New Energy After Two Decades Of Independence (Societies And Political Orders In Transition)

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In the two decades since the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of the newly independent states have faced a number of old problems with renewed energy. These problems include corruption, poverty, and ethnic conflict.

Corruption is a major problem in many post-Soviet states. It undermines the rule of law, stifles economic growth, and erodes public trust. In some cases, corruption has led to the collapse of governments and the outbreak of civil war.

Armenian Civil Society: Old Problems, New Energy After Two Decades of Independence (Societies and Political Orders in Transition)

by Stephanie Foxe

4.5 out of 5

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Poverty is another major challenge facing many post-Soviet states. The economic transition from communism to capitalism has been difficult for many people, and poverty rates have increased in many countries. Poverty can lead to a number of social problems, such as crime, homelessness, and drug abuse.

Ethnic conflict is another major problem in many post-Soviet states. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the breakup of many multi-ethnic states, and this has led to a number of conflicts between different ethnic groups. Ethnic conflict can lead to violence, displacement, and even genocide.

While some progress has been made in addressing these issues, they continue to pose a major challenge to the development of these societies. Corruption, poverty, and ethnic conflict are all complex problems, and there is no easy solution. However, it is important to continue to work to address these issues, as they are essential to the development of stable and prosperous societies.

Case Studies

There are a number of case studies that illustrate the challenges that post-Soviet states have faced in the past two decades.

Russia: Russia has been plagued by corruption since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2012, Russia was ranked 133rd out of 176 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index. Corruption has undermined the rule of law in Russia, and it has also stifled economic growth. In 2014, Russia's economy contracted by 3.7%, largely due to the effects of corruption.

Ukraine: Ukraine has been plagued by poverty since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2012, Ukraine's GDP per capita was only $3,500, which is less than half the global average. Poverty has led to a number of social problems in Ukraine, such as crime, homelessness, and drug abuse. In 2014, Ukraine's economy contracted by 6.8%, largely due to the effects of poverty.

Georgia: Georgia has been plagued by ethnic conflict since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2008, Georgia fought a war with Russia over the breakaway region of South Ossetia. The war resulted in the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of much of South Ossetia's infrastructure. Ethnic conflict continues to be a major challenge for Georgia, and it is a major obstacle to the country's development.

The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the creation of a number of new states. These states have faced a number of old problems with renewed energy. Corruption, poverty, and ethnic conflict continue to pose a major challenge to the development of these societies. However, it is important to continue to work to address these issues, as they are essential to the development of stable and prosperous societies.

Armenian Civil Society: Old Problems, New Energy After Two Decades of Independence (Societies and Political Orders in Transition)

by Stephanie Foxe

4.5 out of 5