USSR: From Emergence to Collapse of the Great Power

The article presents the actual historiographical situation on problem of determining causes and factors death USSR. presentation a diverse palette views fac-tors USSR demise is accompanied by arguments author's judgments correctness available assessments historians social scientists. At same time, aim to show fundamental imbalance socio-economic system real socialism. reasons for non-viability socialism, designed eliminate “flaws” capitalism, was level development productive forces insufficient overcome “rarity goods.” Even today, humanity at very beginning path achieving economic progress capable ensuring universal satisfaction needs. lack sufficient material basis overcoming imperfection distribution cause another structural “ailment” - low motivation labor increasing alienation workers from public property. In turn, replacement market mechanisms with administrative command principles eco-nomic management caused chronic shortage consumption manifested apathy. Diverse political, ideological other “man-made” only intensified processes systemic failure gave centrifugal that initiated secession an irreversible total character.