Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies | Open Access Articles

Life Stories Between The Former Soviet Union And The United States, Kimberly M. Maas, Elizabeth J. Sandell, Emily Boyd

Elementary and Literacy Education Department Publications

This paper examines the change from the Soviet Period to Transition Period, as reported through the experiences of those who grew up there, as well as from American tourists who have traveled there. Five semi-structured interviews were been conducted. They were transcribed and analyzed inductively to understand (a) differences in life experiences across cultures, (b) how change in government effects a person's life story and (c) the importance of social traditions. Findings focus on the transformation of economic conditions from the point before the transition to independent republics after the transition. Findings focus on technological expansion and traditions and customs …

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The Return Of Russia: Energy's Superpower Or Potemkin Village?, Greg R. Bayes

Graduate Program in International Studies Theses & Dissertations

George Kennan's prediction of the Soviet Union's downfall may have, in retrospect, jinxed Russia on the one aspect that had historically worked in its favor: time. The confluence of time and space--brought about by an emphasis on territorial expansion-had greatly aided Russia when difficulties had rendered the variable of time indispensable. When confronted by the likes of Napoleon and Hitler, for example, Russia had at its disposal the luxury of always trading space for time. Although deprived of its empire, the issue of space is not an overarching concern for a Russia that today still spans from Vladivostok to St. …

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Characteristics Of The Labor Market And Human Resources Management In The Republic Of Kazakhstan, Bolat L. Tibekov, Janet S. Adams, Nancy Prochaska

Faculty Articles

Kazakhstan, an emerging economy moving from a communist centralized command approach to global market participation, shares issues with other republics in the Common Wealth of Independent States. Competitive advantages that bode well for its successful transition include abundant oil reserves, a developing legal system, and a government that appears to have learned from the mistakes of other CIS nations. However, the Republic has serious problems of population decline, poor infrastructure, and workforce habits incompatible with a market economy. This paper focuses on labor market and human resource issues that must be addressed of Kazakhstan to be competitive in the world …

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