That is definitely a part of it. Collapse is not caused by a single event. If I remember correctly (not 100% on my timeline without looking it up) the reforms of Gorbachev were caused by already existing unrest that in part was caused by a loss of state income. When the state provides all and has no money…
You know the Afghan war and the loss of working age men, plus the high level of support the USSR gave its satellite states, were not helpful either. Lots of factors, but when you have no money everything is worse.
The best description of Russia and the USSR before that is a Gas station with an army. That is how important petroleum is to Russia
As far as I know, the USSR collapsed because Gorbachev’s reforms weakened existing institutions and power structures, without providing replacements.
That is definitely a part of it. Collapse is not caused by a single event. If I remember correctly (not 100% on my timeline without looking it up) the reforms of Gorbachev were caused by already existing unrest that in part was caused by a loss of state income. When the state provides all and has no money…
You know the Afghan war and the loss of working age men, plus the high level of support the USSR gave its satellite states, were not helpful either. Lots of factors, but when you have no money everything is worse.
The best description of Russia and the USSR before that is a Gas station with an army. That is how important petroleum is to Russia
Honestly, fair enough.
Afghanistan and Chernobyl bled the USSR dry of money and people.