The authors analyze the economic opinions of teachers and economists from the former Soviet Union who participated in economic education programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education under the auspices of the National Council on Economic Education from 1995-2001. They sought to determine the level of consensus on economic topics among the…

Because the Soviet Union does not publish measures of economic growth and development comparable with those of Western countries, the Central Intelligence Agency has provided (by means of a large research effort carried out over many years) estimates of the value of the Soviet gross national product (GNP), its rate of growth, its size relative to…

To assist students in comparing living standards in the Soviet Union and Western Nations, a chart containing data from a 1982 survey of the retail prices of 179 selected consumer goods and services is provided. Prices were converted into worktime equivalents and the capital of each country, with the exception of Munich, was chosen to represent the…

Discusses the state of the Soviet economy during the period of perestroika. Includes the level of output, rate of inflation, privatization, and proposals for economic reform. Assesses the stabilization program and possibilities of restructuring. Concludes that neither Mikhail Gorbachev nor perestroika are likely to survive the trials of inflation,…

The author discusses needed improvements in the university training of Russian economists. (Author/RM)

The nature of the Soviet economic challenge to the world and to the United States is described in relation to standard of living, political influence, hegemony of Eastern Europe, and military power (Author/KM)

The author discusses ways to improve the training of economists at the university level. (Author/RM)

This series of lesson plans and activities deals with the economic demise of the now-defunct Soviet Union. Each of the five lessons and six activities addresses identified standards and benchmarks from the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics. The lesson plans also address the National History Content Standards, in terms of both the…

Explains why the transition economies experienced sharp decline after the breakup of the former Soviet Union. Offers some personal accounts and comments on prospects for future development in Central and Eastern Europe. Notes how people in these countries view the transition to market economies. (DSK)

The Soviet Union's plan to increase the economic knowledge of 90 million workers through courses taught while on the job is described. (DE)

Examines the status of higher education within the nonproduction sphere in the Soviet economy. Higher education does not directly produce material goods, but its role in training the work force is critical in maintaining a modern, productive economy. (AV)

Since coming to power, Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev has undertaken an ambitious program to reform the Soviet economy. Perestroika touches every aspect of Soviet economic life, including relations with the international economy. Soviet specialists and international economists must find common ground so that they can successfully…

The American labor movement and labor groups from other developed nations have recognized the interdependence of the world's economies. Discussed are the AFL-CIO's support for labor in the Soviet Union, policies of developing nations to reduce inflation and the resulting worldwide recession, U.S. auto industry problems, and maintaining labor…

Fourteen articles from a Russian-language weekly newspaper define the Soviet program for educating workers in economics courses. The program functions through the Communist Labor Schools. Development of model training programs is reported by the CPSI Central Committee Propaganda Department. The public methods councils are charged with carrying out…

Reviews the reform of the industrial structure of the Soviet Union. Emphasizes the influence of the communist party on chemical production, research and education. Surveys the problems facing the Soviet chemical industry. Lists important officials in the Soviet chemical industry. Discusses joint ventures between the United States and the Soviet…