Essay, Research Paper: Problems Resulting From The Fall Of Communism

The collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and in The Soviet
Union has presented an array of new opportunities but also problems
for much of this region. Although, with this collapse the opportunity
arises to establish a democratic government and a market economy
exists, the process has shown to be a slow one. With the attempt to
restore civil liberties and the hope of enjoying the standard of living
similar to that of Western Europe, communist parties are still in
existence (under new names and titles), and Eastern Europe is still
struggling to become free both economically and politically.
The problems facing Eastern Europe and The Soviet Union are
both political and economic. First, economically this region is falling
apart. Unemployment is widespread and most of the plants and
factories run by the communists are gone. As a result of being poor
and unemployed, hundreds of thousands of people have migrated
from Eastern to Western Europe in hopes of finding work. This has
led to much resentment, especially from countries such as Germany.
Outbreaks of opposition and physical violence have erupted leading to
increased ethnic tension. In turn, immigration is being restricted in
many of the Western countries.
In addition to the economic troubles, there is an environmental
effect. Many of the closed down plants and factories are so polluting
that they have left many areas virtually unlivable. This pollution has
left the former communist nations with some of the worst
environmental problems in the world. This has in turn contributed to
the immigration problem.
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The nations of Western Europe, facing high costs themselves
related to the collapse of communism, are hesitant to send any relief
funds to the East. This is especially true in Germany, where costs of
their own unification have been very high. East Germany and West
Germany are still at odds over state aid that has been mostly directed
to the East. Other parts of Europe, being in an economic slump
themselves lack the resources to aid Eastern Europeans. A fear that
Eastern Europe’s economic difficulties could negatively affect their
own economy, has also led to a fear of economic integration.
Political challenges are also a major problem resulting from the
collapse of communism. Civil war continues to be seen in Yugoslavia
and ethnic violence occurs daily. The Czechs and the Slovaks divided
Czechoslovakia into two separate nations in 1993. The liberty and
freedom offered by the end of a communist government has tended to
be mostly for the pursuit of personal ethnic goals which in turn has
led to turmoil. After World War II, West Germany and Austria
developed strong democratic governments but because of strong
communist histories, other nations have not followed suit. They
continue to resist a democracy, settling instead as distinct political
units. They do not realize that with disorder, economic stagnation
and ethnic competition, a democracy cannot be successful.
The collapse of European communism has had other
implications as well. It has put a halt to the development of European
socialism. After the 1870’s, Marxism dominated Europe. The
Bolshevik victory validated it and the policies of Lenin and Stalin
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extended the ideas all throughout Europe. Now, with communism
over, the economic and political socialist policies and ideas have
collapsed. As a result, Marxism and socialism in general has basically
been discredited. It has been and will be very difficult for these
former communist nations, after being under a socialist premise for so
long, to realize the benefits of markets, economic decentralization and
political democracy.
In addition, the fall of communism has profoundly altered
international relations with Europe. With the Warsaw Pact gone,
NATO is in need of reform. NATO, with the primary function to deter
Soviet attack on Western Europe, has now become outdated. Many
believe it should be kept alive to prevent international disorder but it
has failed to play an effective role in Yugoslavia. This has left doubts
as to its effectiveness to aid in problems that occur in Europe. There
is also the problem with Russia’s disapproval regarding the expansion
of NATO. Many Eastern European nations now want to be a part of
NATO for future protection but because of Russia’s strong disapproval
for the expansion, this must be done slowly and carefully.
In conclusion, the collapse of communism has presented
opportunity but also disarray in much of Europe. Governmental and
economic tension continue to plague this region. The process of
political and economic turn around is proving to be a very long, slow
process. However, it would be a clear mistake to only discuss the fall
of communism in terms of economic stagnation and consumer strife.
The Eastern Europeans now have a chance for the civil liberties that
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we take for granted everyday. Hopefully, the problems presenting
today in this nation will slowly begin to turn around. Then, they too
can enjoy the king of lifestyle and opportunities that our democracy
has established. The fact that an end has come to communism is a
hopeful and unbelievable occurrence. One that could in fact take us
one step closer to world peace.


Word Count: 847