I have read some of the previous threads on possible survival of the Soviet Union up till this day, and would like to explore the financial background, and possible solutions to the financial downfall which, among other, led to the demise of the Soviet Union.
Without being an expert I see some "financial PODs" starting post WWII, which might enable to create e economically stronger Soviet Union, and would like to here some views:
- Instead of conducting political reforms, the Soviet Union adopts capitalistic measures, similar to what is going on in China today. Letting private ownership of business be allowed, which should result in more economic growth, and should put a damper on the political unrest which occured in OTL.
- Defreezing of the Cold War. The Soviet Union revises its' aggresive foreign policy, and focuses on econimic development and cooperation with the West, in order to improve living conditions for its' citizens. This should result in increased trade between East and West and a rise in GDP.
- A "cheaper" Red Army. As a consequence of the above mentioned, Russian can spend much less than the estimated 17 % of the GDP on military spending, freeing ressources to invest in other areas.
- Raw materials. The Soviet Union had enormous natural ressources in oil, natural gas, coal, iron, minerals etc. Using some of the ressources freed by the above mentioned, investments are dramatically increased in the extraction of these natural ressources furthermore supporting the Soviet economy.
The POD for all of this could be following Stalins death, with someone more pragmatic, and with economic insight, puts communist ideology in the background.
This might of course be ASB, but is not what I find most interesting. The question is
IF this was implemented, could a Soviet Union which pursues the road China does today, but much earlier, survive as a unified State up till today?
BTW this is also not mend to be a discussion of Soviet attrocities and human right abuses, which we are all aware of.
