How Capitalism Destroyed Russia

If you’re like me, you know way too many people who think Russia is communist, or that don’t realize the USSR has been gone for three decades now. But even for those who do understand that Russia is is capitalist oligarchy, not many know the full story. Come learn about how the West subjected the former soviet countries to brutal free market shock therapy, and the disastrous consequences that followed. How Capitalism Destroyed Russia – Second Thought New video every Friday! Citations and Further Reading: Books Videos Shock Therapy (economics) The USSR and The Russian Federation Naomi Klein’s definition of shock doctrine/shock therapy Individual statistics, facts, and quotes: 250% increase in price following privatization 56% increase in unemployment 14.5% fall/ nearly 20% decline in industrial production/1,354% inflation/real incomes being cut in half Decrease in health and education spending 12.8% increase in deaths 6 year drop in life expectancy in Russia 1991-1994/1 year drop due to Covid 85% under the poverty line/Yeltsin’s 35% “correction” Jeffrey Sachs’ “spontaneous market activity” quote The mafia’s origins in Yeltsin’s decree 47,000 then 90,000 privatized companies $20 vouchers and 14% of privatizations open to the public Graphs of wealth and inequality Sachs quote about prioritizing speed during the privatization process Sachs quote about not prioritizing speed during the privatization process Sachs quote about the urgency of privatization before people caught on The IMF using its funds to push around economic reforms The centralization of power by Yeltsin Favorable and extra press coverage for Yeltsin Yeltsin election rigging Sachs quote about workers councils Follow and Support Second Thought! Twitter: Patreon: BuyMeACoffee: CashApp: $JTChapman About Second Thought: Second Thought is a channel devoted to education and analysis of current events from a Leftist perspective. Welcome! Business Email: secondthoughtchannel@