question_answer

Highlight any three positive and three negative feature each of the soviet system in the Soviet Union.

Or

How far is it correct to say the international alliances during the Cold War era were determined by the requirements of the superpower and the calculations of the smaller states? Explain.

Answer:

Positive features:

(i) Soviet system was more developed than rest of the world except USA.

(ii) Minimum standard of living was insured for all the citizens.

(iii) The Govt. subsidized the basic needs including health, education, child care & other welfare schemes.

(iv) There was no unemployment.

Negative features:

(i) System was very bureaucratic and authoritarian.

(ii) Lack of democracy and mainly absence of freedom of speech.

(iii) There was only one party system (communist party of Soviet Union).

(iv) The party did not recognize the aspirations and feelings of people.

Or

Superpowers used their military power to bring countries into their fold.

(i) Soviet Union used its influence in Eastern Europe backed by the large armies of countries of its alliance.

(ii) The statement is utmost correct about the superpower as well as their alliances.

(iii) On the other hand, the United States built alliance called SEATO and CENTO on the question of North Vietnam, North Korea and Iraq, Russia and China came closer.

(iv) Eastern alliance known as War saw pact was led by USSR, came into existence in 1995. Alliances were made for the requirement of vital national resources.

(v) Superpowers needed territories to launch their weapons and troops. In return they helped them in many ways.