“Post-Soviet Russia experienced more economic change than political change up to 2000.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that post-Soviet Russia experienced more economic change than political change up to 2000. Candidates may offer equal coverage of economic and political changes, or they may prioritize the discussion of one of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Regarding the political changes, candidates may discuss new policies introduced by Gorbachev and Yeltsin; the long term impact of the glasnost policy; the foundation of the Russian Federation; its new constitution; and the performance of the new multi-party system. Regarding economic developments, candidates may discuss the consequences of the perestroika policy; the extent of the privatization of the economy; market liberalization; the impact on currency, salaries, and employment. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that post-Soviet Russia experienced more economic change than political change up to 2000. Few responses were seen to this question. Of those that were seen, some candidates gave strong responses with detailed knowledge and arguments about Russia in the 1990s. However, other candidates tended to generalisations.