Struggle for the Soviet Far East: Political, Military, and Economic Trends Under Gorbachev.

摘要

In 1991, separatist forces seeking independence have become active across the USSR. In one of the most important regions, the Soviet Far East, such a trend is visible, although it has received scant attention compared to movements in the Baltic states, Moldavia, and other areas. The struggle for change in the Soviet Far East pits the conservative forces, consisting of mid-level Community Party personnel, senior military, and some members of defense industrial and intelligence community, against virtually everyone else. The encroachments that this powerful coalition hopes to block include opening Vladivostok, creation of free economic zones (FEZs) with the participation of foreigners, conversion of defense industry, and emergence on non-communist political figures and ideas (including a plan to create an independent Far Eastern Republic). This paper examines recent trends in the region-political, military, and economic--and looks ahead to possible outcomes.