Sarah Paine

Sarah Paine, a political scientist and historian specializing in Russian affairs, discusses the multifaceted reasons behind the Soviet Union’s collapse. She explores Reagan's military strategies, the impact of the Helsinki Accords on Eastern Bloc dissidents, and the Sino-Soviet split. Paine highlights internal issues like economic failures and political reforms under Gorbachev. She also delves into Boris Yeltsin's pivotal role in the dissolution of the USSR. With a nod to current geopolitical tensions, she offers insights on navigating potential new conflicts.