Part 1/9:

The Wild 1990s: Chaos and Transformation in Post-Soviet Russia

As the red flag of the Soviet Union was lowered for the last time in 1991, the world witnessed the end of a formidable empire, taking with it nearly 70 years of communist rule. However, what emerged in its wake was not a beacon of hope or a well-structured transition, but rather a landscape filled with fear and uncertainty. Russia, unmoored from its preceding identity, found itself in a chaotic environment where cash became the sovereign currency and crime flourished unchecked. The consequence was dire: millions lost their savings, jobs, and homes, while a new breed of elites emerged, often characterized by wealth derived from ruthless tactics.