Examine the social and economic challenges faced by one country in central or eastern Europe from 1989 to 2000.

The question requires that candidates consider the social and economic challenges faced by one country in central or eastern Europe from 1989 to 2000. Among the economic factors, candidates may examine the consequences of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the loss of industrial and financial assistance. They can also consider the difficulties of changing from a command economy into a capitalist one, and the challenges to adapt their markets to international trade. Other relevant factors that candidates may examine are the struggles against unemployment and the fall in wages as a consequence of the end of state support. Regarding social challenges, candidates may examine the emergence of nationalist and ethnic movements, for example in the states of the former Yugoslavia. In other countries such as Romania, the loss of population due to migration, and the struggle to maintain public services were significant social and economic challenges. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the social and economic challenges faced by one country in central or eastern Europe from 1989 to 2000. Few responses were seen to this question. Of those that were seen, some good knowledge was shown in some cases. However, weaker responses tended to generalisations that needed more support.