Suchergebnisse

Traces relations of the Vatican with the Soviet bloc, and the change from confrontation to cooperation and an innovative role in Eastern Europe, beginning with John Paul II; 1917-92. Summary in English p. 210.

Examines the foundations of socialism in the USSR & Eastern Europe, identifying external influences leading to its deterioration. It is argued that Soviet socialism developed during the 1917 revolution, with efforts to mobilize peasants & industrialize the country. In the 1980s, both perestroika & increasingly sophisticated communications technology facilitated the diffusion of Western neoliberal economic thought to socialist nations, weakening the philosophical bases of the Soviet state. Also, US military & economic measures exercised a profound influence. It is concluded that the US was the most critical external source contributing to the demise of the Soviet bloc. Adapted from the source document.

Contrary to conservative rhetoric, the extraordinary changes occurring at the end of the twentieth century -- eg, the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the fragmentation of the USSR, the fall of the Berlin Wall, & the reunification of Germany -- do not mean a victory of capitalism over socialism, but the failure of both systems as economic models & a way of life. In spite of their strong positions & propaganda, both systems have failed to achieve their objective of universalizing their principles & practices. Nevertheless, the new millennium begins with a rich heritage of the material wealth & achievements, as well as social values, of both East & West. Moreover, in tracing confrontations between today's declining powers, it is possible to discern significant collaboration efforts that suggest the utopia of a better, more human world. This practice will continue in the present, will be extended into the future, & will allow the establishment of an economy, society, & way of life that balance positive values of the previous conflicting Eastern & Western alternatives. For this, it will be necessary for all nations to establish freedom & democracy, the most precious values from the West, & to pursue growth with equity, the most important legacy of socialism. Modified AA