Question
Evaluate the impact of COMECON and the Warsaw Pact on states dominated by the Soviet Union.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of both COMECON and the Warsaw Pact on Eastern Bloc states. Candidates may elect to evaluate the impact of COMECON and the Warsaw Pact separately, alternatively, they may examine the combined impact of COMECON and the Warsaw Pact on individual states. There may be an assessment of the levels of control from Moscow and to what extent this control had an impact on the policies of governments. The impact of COMECON may be examined in terms of the structure of the economies in member states and the extent to which they were linked to the Soviet economy or could trade with the West. The impact of the Warsaw Pact may be discussed in terms of how it was used to maintain the ’buffer zone’ (Hungary, Czechoslovakia) and support the Brezhnev Doctrine. The presence of Soviet troops for “military planning” ensured Soviet domination of
governments.
Question
Evaluate the developments in one central or eastern European country, excluding Russia,following the collapse of Soviet control.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the post-Soviet developments in their chosen central or eastern European example country. Relevant examples could include former satellite states as well as former Soviet republics that gained independence after 1991. Areas to consider may include internal political developments, the economy and social change. Political changes could include constitutional changes, the extent to which politics was stable and the ways in which democracy was established. In terms of economics, there may be a focus based on economic activity (for example if the country became monetarist or if its standards of living changed), the extent of stability/instability, or even economic differentials in society. Social developments may include freedom of religion, a more westernized society or the re-emergence of national traditions. There may also be discussion of negative social effects, for example reduced welfare and educational provision.