Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

Exploring the Impact of Russian Stalinism Russia has been a great power since the times of the Tsars. In the 20th century, its influence reached a peak when Joseph Stalin came to power in the late 1920s. Stalinism was an authoritarian, nationalistic and highly centralized system of government, which had a huge impact on Russia and the surrounding states. In this article, we will explore the concept of Stalinism and its impact on Russia and the world. What was Stalinism? Stalinism was a type of Communism that emphasized central control, censorship and the development of a one-party system. Stalin was a firm believer in a 'strong hand' approach to governance, where dissent and criticism were suppressed and control was exercised over the masses. This system was extremely oppressive and considered by many to be a form of totalitarianism. What were the main components of Stalinism? Stalinism was characterized by its total control of the economy, the state-controlled media and propa...

Exploring Current Social Issues in Russia Spanning across two continents, Russia is renowned for its unique social customs, cultures, and, of course, its colorful history. Today, however, there are many challenges facing Russia—some of which have existed for many years, while some are unfamiliar to both its indigenous population and to foreign visitors alike. This article will explore some of the current social issues in Russia, lending an insight into why the country is facing such difficulties in the modern age. What Are the Main Social Issues? Russia is facing an array of interconnected social challenges that are weighing down its citizens and creating difficulty in myriad facets of life. These challenges range from problems of poor education and seriously weak healthcare conditions, to drug addiction, poverty, and homelessness. The World Bank of Russia has reported that the median monthly wage in 2018 was 28,098 rubles – equivalent to just under $400 USD. Statistics show this i...