Why are many post-Soviet countries still poor? | Thomas SowellTV

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Understanding the Economic and Cultural Dynamics of Post-Soviet Countries

1. Historical Context:

   • Russia played a crucial role in the diffusion of European economic and technological advancements to less developed regions like Central Asia.
   • Despite being backward by European standards, Russia was advanced compared to many non-European societies in the 19th century.

2. Economic Impact:

   • Russian manufactured products saw a growing demand in Central Asia, although they couldn't compete in terms of price or quality with Western markets.
   • The disparities in productive capabilities among different national and ethnic groups led to economic benefits and political turmoil.

3. Cultural Resentments:

   • Resentments arose towards foreigners developing Russia, advanced domestic minorities like Jews and Germans, and later towards less developed Central Asians.
   • Conflicts between economic benefits and political turmoil were intensified when conquest was the method of cultural diffusion.

4. Impact of Communist Ideology:

   • The official ideology of communism claimed that race did not matter, but interethnic violence erupted when central government control eased in the late 1980s.
   • Racial, ethnic, and nationality clashes persisted despite Marxist theories, ultimately playing a role in the downfall of the Soviet Union.

5. Communist Legacy:

   • The Communist system in Eastern Europe led to political and economic consequences, including environmental degradation and declining health indicators.
   • The collapse of communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe resulted in varying degrees of freedom and stability, depending on the nations' prior experiences with democracy.

6. Importance of Political Human Capital:

   • The collapse of democratic governments in East Central Europe and other regions highlighted the necessity of political human capital for the functioning of formal institutions of free government.

7. Role of Dependable Law:

   • Russia's vast natural resources and technological capabilities were hindered by the lack of a dependable legal framework necessary for a prosperous market economy.
   • The independence gained by former Soviet Bloc nations in Eastern Europe in the late 20th century opened new opportunities for cultural, economic, and political development.

8. Uneven Achievements:

   • The Slavic peoples' achievements, including Yuri Gagarin's orbit of the Earth and the breakup of the Soviet Union, exemplify the complex history and challenges faced by post-Soviet countries.

By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the economic and cultural dynamics that have influenced the development and challenges faced by many post-Soviet countries to this day.