The Fall of the USSR: From Perestroika to Modern Russia with Vadim Malinovsky
Learn with Vadim Malinovsky

The Fall of the USSR: From Perestroika to Modern Russia with Vadim Malinovsky

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Description

Perestroika and Glasnost, Gorbachev and Yeltsin, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War, the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, and the coup attempt in Moscow: how do they connect with or explain the collapse of the USSR? Join Russian historian Vadim Malinovsky for a detailed look at how - and why - the Soviet Union ended.
December 26, 1991, is the official anniversary of the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Today, 29 years later, it is still not easy to understand how this powerful nation could disintegrate so unexpectedly. This seminar will explore all of the players and events that lead to this monumental moment in history. Starting with Mikhail Gorbachev, one of Russia’s most famous political figures, we will look back at his time in office and policies, like Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika(restructuring), to better understand his role in the unfolding of the events.
We will consider the impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia on the progression of events in the Soviet Union. Also, we will explore how the coup attempt of August 1991 influenced the outcome. We will conclude by discussing the process whereby fifteen republics broke away to declare independence from Russia and how those political relationships continue to evolve today.
Led by historian Vadim Malinovsky, this seminar is a deep dive into all the changes Soviet citizens faced with the dissolution of the USSR. We will also examine the changes made within the institutions of the state. Participants will come away with an increased understanding of the reasons and events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
About Your Expert

Vadim is a historian (MA) who has graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University. His focus is contemporary Russian history. He is working on a PhD dissertation on Stalin's national policy.

Audience

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

Duration

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
79%
(15)
11%
(2)
5%
(1)
5%
(1)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Chicago, US)
Interesting

Very interesting presentation- learned a lot

L
L.D. (Frisco, US)
Interesting overview of USSR history

Vadim did a great job presenting, with interesting photos, the history of the USSR, its leaders, and it's ultimate dissolution. Understanding how many areas, now countries, were part of the union and then established their independence, how different those countries were culturally, and what people living under the Soviet regime liked about it gives us a better understanding of the people today. Vadim's presentations are always engaging and ring true.

P
P.H. (New York, US)
Timely and useful

Vadim is brimming with info as usual, all the way down to movie recommendations and excerpts from the Soviet rock music of the time. I remember most of these events, but they had become foggy over time in their relationship to one another, so it was good to have things all put together.

M
M.D. (Montreal, CA)
Great Context for Current Events

A comprehensive look at the events and leaders that led to the fall of the USSR. Troubling and sobering, in view of current events. Vadim always does a wonderful job of presenting not only facts, but art and music that give us a sense of how people in Russia felt about what was happening.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Fall of the Russian empire - I mean USSR!

This was a most difficult talk as I felt the trajedy of the russians not being able to move from having free housing, education, medical - and yet shortages of the goods to make a good life - It was a lesson that no matter what ,humans are never satisfied - too many faults with governments!

123

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
79%
(15)
11%
(2)
5%
(1)
5%
(1)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Chicago, US)
Interesting

Very interesting presentation- learned a lot

L
L.D. (Frisco, US)
Interesting overview of USSR history

Vadim did a great job presenting, with interesting photos, the history of the USSR, its leaders, and it's ultimate dissolution. Understanding how many areas, now countries, were part of the union and then established their independence, how different those countries were culturally, and what people living under the Soviet regime liked about it gives us a better understanding of the people today. Vadim's presentations are always engaging and ring true.

P
P.H. (New York, US)
Timely and useful

Vadim is brimming with info as usual, all the way down to movie recommendations and excerpts from the Soviet rock music of the time. I remember most of these events, but they had become foggy over time in their relationship to one another, so it was good to have things all put together.

M
M.D. (Montreal, CA)
Great Context for Current Events

A comprehensive look at the events and leaders that led to the fall of the USSR. Troubling and sobering, in view of current events. Vadim always does a wonderful job of presenting not only facts, but art and music that give us a sense of how people in Russia felt about what was happening.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Fall of the Russian empire - I mean USSR!

This was a most difficult talk as I felt the trajedy of the russians not being able to move from having free housing, education, medical - and yet shortages of the goods to make a good life - It was a lesson that no matter what ,humans are never satisfied - too many faults with governments!

123