Boris Pasternak

However, perestroika did not occur without consequences. The privatization movement of the perestroika reform allowed for the formation of a new class the oligarchs. The lack of legal safeguards of privatization allowed the mafia, which had the financial means and the political connections, to gain ownership and control over key industries of the Russian economy. “The problem is the economic liberalization in Russia, even in the narrowest sense of legalizing private business activity, is far from complete. Under the practical conditions that prevail, it still remains virtually impossible for a Russian entrepreneur to operate entirely within the law.” (Leitzel, Gaddy and Alexeev). But some of the illegal activity of organized crime has proven to be beneficial in modern Russia. The mafia may be very threatening to people and businesses, but because of their intimidation tactics they have been able to persuade businesses to enter into risky contracts. In a capitalist economy it is important to take risks because it can prove to be highly beneficial to the economy. Although, much of organized criminal activity can be blamed on the Russian government. The government is reluctant to loosen its control over the economy. So, as a result many businesses try to avoid unacceptable tax rates and restrictive regulations. The avoidance of business taxes and regulations is achieved through help of the Russian mafia, and in turn the mafia continues to thrive fueling organized crime.…

Frankenstein, “…wasn't expected to be a popular film, much less a breakout role for the unknown actor”, Boris Karloff, also known as Frankenstein (Biography.com). James Whale, and starred Colin Clive and Mae Clarke, which is based on the best-selling novel, Frankenstein, written by Shelley, released Frankenstein in 1931. It is a story of a young scientist trying to create life after one has died and the struggles and drama that come along with that. Even after 86 years, Frankenstein is still…

When the Soviet Union officially dissolved in December, 1991, many Westerners, Soviet dissidents, and Russian citizens believed that the feared Komitet gosudarstvennoy bezopasnosti (KGB) would be dismantled forever. Russian and Western observers viewed the toppling of the “Iron Felix” Dzerzhinsky statue in August 1991 as the symbolic end of the era of Soviet political police repression. Subsequently, Gorbachev appointed Vadim Bakatin to reform the KGB. But what constituted reform? In December…

When Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in the 80’s he made sweeping reforms in the KGB. As a result the KGB became less aggressive towards political dissidents and curtailed its struggle against foreign countries. In august 1991, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kryuchkov led a failed coup against the government. It was the beginning of the end for KGB. This event and revelations about other activities, including the infiltration of Russian Orthodox Church, created popular demand for the reformation of KGB.…

Ukraine again, but it was too late. Mister Putin won’t backup so easily. Not after the reinforcement of Russian troops and heavy machinery guns. Russian military were able to strangle a revolt less than in a week. Crimea left with no other chances than follow Kremlin’s orders. So why would 96% of population vote for the approval of referendum and 6 month later radically change their desertion? The answer is simple: Putin’s New Soft-power Media Machine, propaganda. In Russia, treads of…

It 's intimidating enough to feel the burning eyes of the various doctors in the room watching me, but the sight of the syringe with a large needle in the short grumpy old nurses hand makes me feel very unsettled. "You will only feel a slight pinch in your arm okay." Said the nurse while she grabs my upper arm and tries to find the dot she drew on my arm earlier camouflaged in the faint freckles up and down my arm. I take a deep breath as she brings the syringe , filled with the "magical"…

When one is asked to think of their idea of a monster, they usually come up with something along the lines of no emotions, no remorse, and pure disgust. On the contrary, two prominent novels in literature, Grendel by John Gardner and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, claim that monsters can indeed show emotions and the ability to reason as a normal human being. Both novels introduce a physically hideous monster on the outside, isolated from the rest of the world. These two creatures are shown to…

Tchaikovsky Hamad Alrashed Fall 2016Tchaikovsky Hamad Alrashed introduction Tchaikovsky an always associated composer with the Moscow school according to his teaching position , as well as using Russian harmonies , and melodies as much as the mighty five do. The turning point of view between Tchaikovsky and the five by his philosophical point of that he is akin more to western ideas. Tchaikovsky bridges the gap between the two schools, for example tonality in his thematic presentation…

A Fatal Transformation: Mikhail Gorbachev Leadership in the Soviet Union contained several dimensions of complexities. To significantly change the political system from its former Communist style leadership, the Soviet Union required a dedicated, intelligent, and compassionate leader. Paving the pathway towards building a free society would not happen overnight; rather, it would take years to refine and develop. Transforming the Soviet Union in the late 20th century presented challenges for…

Putin’s Presidency began in 1999, he came into office two days after a radical group of Chechens started an attack on the Dagestan. They wished to establish the “Independent Islamic State of Dagestan”. They did so to hopefully cause an Islamic Anti-Russian uprising. This caused Putin to respond after five days of waiting. The Russian Bomber Jets arrived in Chechnya, which symbolized what was going to come. The result was that tens of thousands of Chechens died, who were mostly Chechen citizens.…