Russian Federation or Soviet Union?

I'm on the fence regarding this. On one hand, under Soviet rule Russia industrialized quickly and became a global superpower. On the other hand, now Russia can carry out it's foreign policy without supporting other states. What factors do you all think distinguish the two nations?

Russian Federation is more prosperous, after the USSR collapsed. It's certainly freer. I also have my respects for Putin.

USSR was a superpower, whilst Russia is merely a regional one. USSR made americans sweat and they beat them to space. Russia is just a ghost of its former glory.

Something to consider is that USSR had a significantly larger population which would help in the event of war considering Russia's low population compared to the modern superpowers

Γραμμένο από For Antioch, 19.12.2015 at 00:40

Tito made a similar thread that argues for modern Russia being better. I can't find it now, but its' definitely around.

Soviet Union definitely had better brand recognition. Russia probably much better off economically though.

I know what you're referring too and he made some good points. Though like you said, I can't seem to find it.

Γραμμένο από Viruslegion, 19.12.2015 at 00:31

Something to consider is that USSR had a significantly larger population which would help in the event of war considering Russia's low population compared to the modern superpowers

Russian history has lot's of times just revolving around sending waves and waves of soldiers- high casualties but would eventually defeat the enemy with overwhelming numbers. Maybe I'm wrong, but considering Russia's population is declining, perhaps their military tactics will drastically change.

Γραμμένο από Viruslegion, 19.12.2015 at 00:31

Something to consider is that USSR had a significantly larger population which would help in the event of war considering Russia's low population compared to the modern superpowers

Russian history has lot's of times just revolving around sending waves and waves of soldiers- high casualties but would eventually defeat the enemy with overwhelming numbers. Maybe I'm wrong, but considering Russia's population is declining, perhaps their military tactics will drastically change.

Γραμμένο από Khal.eesi, 18.12.2015 at 23:36

USSR was a superpower, whilst Russia is merely a regional one. USSR made americans sweat and they beat them to space. Russia is just a ghost of its former glory.

I could agree with that but I think Russia is getting stronger globally. While they may not frighten us, we certainly do have to work with them on issues like Syria. Would have been very interesting to see what wold have happened if Russia was let into NATO (preferably after the soviet union collapsed).

Γραμμένο από Sinjid, 18.12.2015 at 22:17

Russian Federation is more prosperous, after the USSR collapsed. It's certainly freer. I also have my respects for Putin.

It is freer, but Putin has been centralizing a lot of power into his hands. I almost wonder if Russians have an affinity toward autocracy given their history.

Γραμμένο από Pheonixking929, 18.12.2015 at 21:55

I'm on the fence regarding this. On one hand, under Soviet rule Russia industrialized quickly and became a global superpower. On the other hand, now Russia can carry out it's foreign policy without supporting other states. What factors do you all think distinguish the two nations?

USSR was a military superpower, if that term can be applied, but it wasn't economical superpower. It's because military-industrial complex separated from economy.

America is all-round (strong politics, economy and military). USSR was just military power (stronger that America but weaker in the rest).

Γραμμένο από Viruslegion, 19.12.2015 at 00:31

Something to consider is that USSR had a significantly larger population which would help in the event of war considering Russia's low population compared to the modern superpowers

50% smaller population now compared to USSR, but that's better for enviroment and economy as there is no unemployment and if more workers are needed means wages will go up which result in higher standard of living.

Γραμμένο από For Antioch, 19.12.2015 at 00:40

Tito made a similar thread that argues for modern Russia being better. I can't find it now, but its' definitely around.

Soviet Union definitely had better brand recognition. Russia probably much better off economically though.

http://atwar-game.com/forum/topic.php?topic_id=23267

Γραμμένο από Pheonixking929, 19.12.2015 at 07:27

Γραμμένο από Viruslegion, 19.12.2015 at 00:31

Something to consider is that USSR had a significantly larger population which would help in the event of war considering Russia's low population compared to the modern superpowers

Russian history has lot's of times just revolving around sending waves and waves of soldiers- high casualties but would eventually defeat the enemy with overwhelming numbers. Maybe I'm wrong, but considering Russia's population is declining, perhaps their military tactics will drastically change.

Russian Empire in late era and USSR - yes - but no Russian Federation. Putin reduced military to 700,000 in 2015 from 2 million in year 2000 and reduced conscription to only basic infantry, G.I , grunts, doughboys while other are paid volunteers. Only 150,000/700,000 are conscripts, almost all minorities who were exempt from serving after USSR collapsed.

No more long wars of attrition and waves of attack for Russia. Just hit and run, in and out with choppers.

Γραμμένο από Pheonixking929, 19.12.2015 at 07:29

Γραμμένο από Khal.eesi, 18.12.2015 at 23:36

USSR was a superpower, whilst Russia is merely a regional one. USSR made americans sweat and they beat them to space. Russia is just a ghost of its former glory.

I could agree with that but I think Russia is getting stronger globally. While they may not frighten us, we certainly do have to work with them on issues like Syria. Would have been very interesting to see what wold have happened if Russia was let into NATO (preferably after the soviet union collapsed).

Russia is way stronger globally, and it should surely concern you, if not frighten you. Because Russia is using other means to fight unlike USSR which used only military in wartime. Russia use spies, hackers, information war, allies, agents, covert operations, false flags(?!?!) to pursue its interest, unlike USSR which had closed economy, closed country and 5 allies in Eastern Europe and one friend abroad (Cuba). Russia is making trade agreements, gas pipelines, exporting oil, affect prices, buys shares, involves in stockmarkets, global market, investment, compete with corporations, attract foreign capital in Russia. Allied China, India and Brazil, 50% of human population.

I am against this, but Russia will soon open military bases in Middle East and Latin America, and will probably try to change regimes and thus compete with America who have more allies. i don't like it, but obviously i can't change it or stop it.

Geopolitics.. Planet Earth is chessboard.. countries are squares.. people are pawns..

Γραμμένο από Pheonixking929, 19.12.2015 at 07:30

Γραμμένο από Sinjid, 18.12.2015 at 22:17

Russian Federation is more prosperous, after the USSR collapsed. It's certainly freer. I also have my respects for Putin.

It is freer, but Putin has been centralizing a lot of power into his hands. I almost wonder if Russians have an affinity toward autocracy given their history.

Vertical control with horizontal freedoms.

Putin copies Lee Kuan Yew model. He was also blamed for authoritarianism and suppress of opposition. But he created #2 country, from 3rd world country to 1st world country in 30 years, which mean his policies worked. And anyway, he didn't supress opposition, he just banned people to protest, and wait for next elections which are every 4 years, then vote for party and politicians you like. If they don't do job you like, don't vote for them anymore, but don't go out on the street, yelling and destroying cars and shops.