The End of Bipolarity: Fall of USSR & Global Shift

This course explores the dramatic collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 — a defining moment in world history that marked the end of bipolarity and the Cold War era . You'll gain insight into how a superpower crumbled under the weight of internal contradictions, rising nationalism, failed reforms, and global pressures.

We begin by tracing the ideological roots of the USSR's socialist system , examining its centralized economy, lack of democratic freedom, and eventual stagnation. Discover how Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms of glasnost and perestroika unintentionally triggered demands for sovereignty and reform, both within the USSR and its Eastern European allies.

You'll analyze the immediate causes of disintegration , such as the rise of nationalism in the republics, economic backwardness compared to the West, and the weakening grip of the Communist Party. We then study the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the impact of shock therapy —the rapid transition to capitalism—which led to economic collapse, inequality, and political instability.

The course also explores Russia's revival in the 2000s , civil wars in former republics, and the strategic partnership between India and Russia , focusing on defense, diplomacy, energy, and regional cooperation.

Ideal for students of Political Science, International Relations, and UPSC aspirants, this course offers deep insights into the global shift from a bipolar to a multipolar world .