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Brezhnev Stagnation

Definition

The Brezhnev Stagnation refers to a period of economic and political stagnation in the Soviet Union during the leadership of Leonid Brezhnev (1964-1982). It was characterized by low economic growth, corruption, and an increased emphasis on maintaining status quo rather than implementing reforms.

Analogy

Think of the Brezhnev Stagnation as a car stuck in mud. Despite all efforts to move forward, it just spins its wheels without making any progress. This is similar to how the Soviet Union's economy and politics were during this time - no matter what they did, there was little to no progress or change.

Related terms

Leonid Brezhnev: He was the General Secretary of the Central Committee (leader) of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1964 until his death in 1982. His rule is associated with a period of economic stagnation.

Mikhail Gorbachev: He was the last leader of the Soviet Union serving from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991. Gorbachev implemented significant reforms (glasnost and perestroika) that aimed at modernizing Soviet society and economy but also led to end of Cold War and dissolution of USSR.

Cold War: A period between 1947-1991 marked by political tension, nuclear arms race, and ideological conflict between two superpowers - United States (and its allies) representing capitalism/democracy versus Soviet Union (and its allies) representing communism/totalitarianism.