Russia and Eastern Europe: Economic Crisis Raises Fear of Unrest

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | April 1st, 2009 | Trackback

The global economic crisis has created fear of civil unrest in Russia and several Eastern European countries as millions have lost their jobs and are turning their anger against their governments. Russia has many towns throughout the country dependent on single industries, a carryover from the Soviet era, and when those industries fail the economies in the towns collapse. Workers are blaming such failures on the government and are beginning to protest. In Eastern Europe, the Czech government collapsed in scandal rather than through economic implosion, but it is feeling economic pressure. The governments of Hungary and Latvia were brought down by their inability to manage the economic downturn. Social tensions are high in Hungary and violent protests in Riga over economic conditions contributed to the Latvian government’s fall. In Ukraine, demonstrations occur almost daily as the country sits on the edge of economic ruin. Crime is increasing, with recent reports of seven violent assaults against foreigners in Kyiv near O’Brien’s Pub and the Hyatt Hotel.

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