Part 9/11:
The late 1980s saw a push towards reforms under Mikhail Gorbachev, but the sudden exposure of systemic issues led to unrest and ultimately the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This transition provided some economic relief, but Russia's average income remained lower than that of many European nations, highlighting ongoing economic disparities.
Chapter 9: Capitalist Russia - The Oligarchy (1991-1999)
The post-Soviet economic landscape shifted significantly, yet key problems persisted. While other former Soviet states adapted better to market economies, Russia fell into oligarchy. Wealth quickly consolidated among a few individuals who leveraged former state assets for personal gain, creating a system akin to feudalism rather than a thriving capitalist economy.