The collapse of the USSR in 1991 surprised many, stemming from economic hardship, excessive defense spending, and the Chernobyl disaster, leading to independence for 15 nations.
From the principality of Muscovy, Russia expanded from the 13th to the 19th centuries, capitalizing on low population density in eastern territories, shaping its vast empire.
The Soviet leadership established republics to grant autonomy to major nationalities but retained control through Moscow, causing inter-republic tensions and dependency for stability.
The borders of Soviet republics often ignored geographical lines, leading to complex interlocking borders that fostered conflicts among countries like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
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