nomic democratization. But freedom did not take hold in Russia after the break-up. Instead of forging ahead with property rights and free markets, Russians devolved into a collection of turf wars, with ethnic groups, former rulers, organized crime and various other groups competing to survive. Out of the former Soviet-controlled states, the one that proceeded fastest and furthest with free-market reform instead of controlled business -- the Czech Republic -- has done the best economically by far. The ones that at least moved closer to free markets, including Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, are doing all right but still struggle. Russia, who moved least to free markets, whose economy continued to be based on payoffs, bribes and tribute, has done the worst economically and culturally. Yet this catastrophe is often blamed on moving too fast with economic reforms. ("Soviet Union," 99 World Book Encyclopedia) Today Russia's economy is in disorder. The standard of living for most people in incredibly low. It may be even lower now then during the Communist rule due to the long-term effects of the break up of the Soviet Union. One of the major factors for the fall of Communism is the government did not live up to it's promise of a better life for all, and the failure of government to deal properly with social and foreign affairs. Russia is now faced with a task that may seem impractical, and a journey that may take many years, but it is believed one-day Russia may regain a well-balanced government. ...
