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The “Dog-Eat-Dog” Culture of Russia: during Gorbachev to Yeltsin
Trump called Putin a genius. Unfortunately, western media or leaders did not understand why he called him a genius or Russia’s past or its struggle during Gorbachev or Yeltsin’s tenure.
Gorbachev’s Struggles and the G7
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Mikhail Gorbachev, impressed by Reagan and the West, faced immense challenges as he tried to reform the Soviet Union. His policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) aimed to modernize the Soviet economy and political system. However, these reforms led to significant economic hardships and political instability. As the Soviet Union’s economy deteriorated, Gorbachev sought financial assistance from Western countries, including the G7 (which later became the G8). Unfortunately, the aid provided was limited and often conditional, leaving Gorbachev in a difficult position. He was often seen as a pariah by Western leaders as the Berlin Wall was already down. He had already lost that leverage when he was desperately seeking support. Western leaders watched cautiously and were not interested in giving ahelping hand.
Did they watch the collapse of the Soviet Union gleefully?
Yeltsin’s Suicide Attempt
Boris Yeltsin, a prominent political figure and Gorbachev’s rival, faced his own struggles during this period. In 1987, Yeltsin attempted suicide after a confrontation with the Politburo and a public humiliation orchestrated by Gorbachev. Deeply depressed, Yeltsin reportedly stabbed himself with a pair of scissors. This incident highlighted the intense political rivalry and personal struggles that marked this era.
The 1991 Coup Attempt and Gorbachev’s Dethronement
In August 1991, a group of hardline Communist Party members attempted a coup to overthrow Gorbachev and reverse his reforms. Gorbachev was placed under house arrest in Crimea, but the coup ultimately failed due to the resistance led by Boris Yeltsin, who rallied public support against the plotters. Despite the coup’s failure, it significantly weakened Gorbachev’s political standing and accelerated the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Gorbachev’s Attempt to Arrest Yeltsin
During the 1991 coup attempt, tensions between Gorbachev and Yeltsin were palpable. While Gorbachev was detained, Yeltsin emerged as a key figure opposing the coup. Interestingly, despite an order being written for Yeltsin’s arrest, the plotters failed to detain him. This oversight allowed Yeltsin to mobilize resistance and ultimately contributed to the coup’s failure.
Economic Instability and Informal Economy
In the mean time, Gorbachev’s partial liberalization of the economy resulted in shortages of basic goods, inflation, and a decline in living standards. As state control weakened, an informal economy emerged, characterized by black markets and corruption. The Law on Cooperatives, enacted in 1988, allowed private ownership of businesses for the first time since Lenin’s New Economic Policy. While this led to the emergence of private enterprises, it also created a chaotic environment where powerful individuals could exploit the system.
Economic “Shock Therapy” and Privatization
The sudden removal of price controls led to hyperinflation, making basic goods unaffordable for many Russians. The rapid privatization process was often poorly regulated and led to the rise of powerful oligarchs who gained control of key industries through questionable means. The lack of effective legal and regulatory frameworks during this period allowed for widespread corruption and criminal activities.
Rise of Organized Crime
The economic and social instability of the 1990s led to the rise of organized crime. Criminal groups often used violence and intimidation to take over businesses and properties. Many ordinary Russians faced significant hardships and were vulnerable to exploitation by these powerful groups. It was not uncommon for businesses or homes to be taken over by force or through corrupt practices, creating a “dog-eat-dog” environment where survival often depended on connections and illicit activities.
Despite these challenges in this period, Vladimir Putin’s leadership laid the groundwork for the eventual stabilization and growth seen now and the majority of Russians love him.
Stability and Economic Growth
After the chaotic 1990s, Putin’s leadership brought a sense of stability and economic growth. Many Russians appreciate the improvements in living standards and the reduction in crime and corruption compared to the Yeltsin or Gorbachev era.
National Pride
Putin’s assertive foreign policy and efforts to restore Russia’s influence on the global stage have bolstered national pride. Actions like the annexation of Crimea in 2014 were widely supported within Russia and contributed to his popularity. The country has again become a super power to the disappointment of Western leaders like Biden! The majority of Russians are proud of their country again and of Putin!
Social Programs
Putin’s government has implemented various social programs aimed at improving healthcare, education, and pensions. These initiatives have positively impacted the lives of many ordinary Russians.
Personal Charisma
Putin’s personal charisma and image as a strong leader resonate with many Russians. His public appearances, speeches, and actions often reinforce this image. They often portray him as a strong and decisive leader, which bolsters his popularity among the population. The majority of Russians love him because he has brought stability, prosperity and peace to them. Unfortunately, Western leaders like Biden envy him for his long term leadership whereas theirs is always limited?
It is not surprising that Trump called Putin a ‘genius’, it is not easy to turn a country from the brink of collapse to today’s successful, flourishing country! Only a business man like Trump could understand. He was near bankruptcy and turned around his business to today’s success to the disappointment of his enemies. The so-called pundits had predicted Trump’s future would collapse into becoming a pauper’s life. Putin’s revival of his country could be understood only by someone like Trump, an outsider to politics with experience in reviving his business against multiple challenges? Where political leaders are mostly interested in their own political survival and so are often inexperienced in reviving the economy?
