ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of post-Soviet Russia

Hello there! So, after the Soviet Union broke up in 1991, Russia became its own separate country. This was a big change for the people who lived there, because they had been used to living in a communist system where the government controlled everything.

In the years that followed, Russia had a lot of challenges to face. The economy was in bad shape, and people were struggling to make ends meet. There was also a lot of political turmoil, as different groups tried to gain power and influence.

One of the biggest changes that happened in post-Soviet Russia was the shift towards democracy. This meant that people could vote for their leaders, and there was more freedom of speech and the press. However, this was also a difficult process, because many people were not used to these ideas and there was a lot of confusion and uncertainty.

Another important change was the privatization of industry and businesses. Under the Soviet system, everything was owned by the government, but now people could own their own companies and make their own money. This was a big opportunity for some people, but it also created a lot of inequality, as some individuals and groups became very wealthy while others struggled to make a living.

Throughout this time, there were also a lot of conflicts and tensions between different ethnic groups within Russia. This was especially true in the North Caucasus, where there were separatist movements and violence.

Overall, the history of post-Soviet Russia is a complex and challenging one, as the country struggled to find its footing in a new and rapidly changing world.