fragmented group of independent countries (Byrnes), the world breathed a sigh of

relief. Another "horrible" communist country had finally seen the light and given way

to the western beliefs of capitalism and democratic government. But was this really the

best thing to happen to an already unstable country? Some say yes, because the socialist

beliefs and oppression are finally gone. Others say no, because even though capitalism

is present, the countries weren't ready for it and have suffered because of it. One thing

is for sure though. The economy of the former U.S.S.R. is on the brink of disaster

with no apparent escape in the near future (Lucas).

The Russian economy has seen a huge decrease in productivity. In the late

1980's, the per capita income was about $8700 (Byrnes). Compared to the $2,466 of

1997(World in figures), this change is painfully evident. This, some believe, is

ultimately leading to the disintegration

once again, and another vicious cycle of wars and oppression will start again.

Overall, I believe that the Soviet Union was better off as it was before the

as the Soviet Union. Unemployment was nonexistent, because every able bodied person

Caryl, Christian. "Is this Weimar Russia?" U.S. News Online. 11/16/98

russia_crisis/newsid_152000/152621.stm

Some common words found in the essay are:
Soviet Union, Union Unemployment, West Marcus, Germany Hitler's, Byrnes Compared, Lucas Russian, Starovoitova Russia's, Newspaper Limited, Lucas Edward, soviet union, Internet Available, soviet union soviet, union soviet union, former soviet union, economic support, union soviet, former soviet, limited 1998, newspaper limited, 1999 economist, newspaper limited 1998, world 1999, internet available, economist newspaper limited, online internet,
Approximate Word count = 682
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)