Explain the reasons that led to the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Solution

The reasons for the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 were as given below :

(i) Economic stagnation: The Soviet economy used much of its resources in maintaining a nuclear and military arsenal and the development of its satellite states in Eastern Europe and within the Soviet system.This led to huge expenditure and economic stagnation.

(ii) Knowledge about the advance of the West: The citizens became more knowledgeable about theeconomic advance of the West. They came to know about the disparities between their system and the systemof the West.

(iii) Stagnation in administration and political sphere: The Communist Party had ruled the Soviet Union for 70 years but was not accountable to the people. The administration was bureaucratic and authoritarian. There was no place for dissent. There was too much corruption. There was no system to correct mistakes.Party leaders enjoyed more privileges than ordinary citizens.