Economics George Molokin: a 25 year TV journalist in

the USSR… Now unemployed in the new Russia

George: the Soviet man was a slave to the system. The fall of Communism liberated him. Yet if the man has not forced the slave (dependency) out, he’s still tortured. A slave, when given his freedom, is often helpless.

“Freedom is a burden and a blessing” – Russia After the USSR

VAZ attracted many workers – cost $3 billion to build.

Poor working conditions – paint fumes Foreign Investment Needed Lack of experience with capitalism/ free

market economy

Jobs

Freedom = competition of beliefs Russian Orthodox Church: has been the

salvation of its people with millions of believers; Troubled by “the tragedy of conversion to Evangelical Christianity”

Evangelical Christianity: aggressive missionary work targeted at the new Russia… more heated and bitter amongst Christian sects

Religion

Was almost nonexistant in USSR Instability of the “new Russia” fuels crime (uncertain

times: pressure, fear of change) Case study of Kazan Murder Rate: upsurge in murder “astounding” Mafia: street toughs or a larger network of a spectrum of

illegal activities: larceny, prostitution, drug trading, stealing/ smuggling weapons from the military!

Teens are especially lured – previously controlled by gov’t youth leagues, solid discipline in school

Tragedy of Lawlessness: many innocent people injured with stolen weapons, gang activity…

Crime

Under USSR: decades of uncontrolled pollution Some say it is the most inhumane legacy of

Soviet rule No freedom of press – gov’t owned/ censored

newspapers, no EPA in USSR In the new Russia, Nina Toropynz investigates

for The VolpaUSSR: no stories of pollution were

permitted. Nina is a courageous reporter working to reveal the extent of environmental damage/ danger.

Environment

Case Study: Astrakhan Fish: “you are what you eat” Over 50% of babies born in Astrakhan, had birth

defects! Astrakhan gas plant: single largest employer in

region AND biggest polluter. (also funds Nina’s paper)

Early 1980s, 15 underground nuclear explosions were held to create underground cavities for natural gas.

Radiation in drinking water!!!!!! (major health concern)

Environment (con’t.)

Resignation of Mikhail Gorbachev Collapse into Independent States – reality of

autonomy Finding the truth / revealing gov’t cover-

ups! Becoming a world partner/ leader via

trade… Struggling to represent the people Struggling to protect nuclear materials…. Navigating unchartered post Cold War

waters in relation to the United States!

1991

What do you associate with modern day Russia?

Why?

Russia Today – your lifetime…