In this assignment, you will use Microsoft PowerPoint to create a detailed presentation with a minimum of 10 slides on the impact that the Soviet Union had
on global terrorism until its fall in 1991. Include the war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan within your presentation.
Secondly, you will also be required to discuss the change in global terrorism in modern-day Russia from 1991 to today. Include the current terrorist groups
that target Russia as well as what led to their creation.
Please be sure to add notes and commentary on each slide of your presentation. Your submission should also include photographs, graphs, charts, data
analytics, and examples of terrorist attacks within the borders of Russia.
You are required to use at least your textbook and two outside scholarly or government sources. All sources used, including the textbook, must be cited and
referenced according to APA guidelines.
(Book) – Terrorism and Homeland Security,
Ninth Edition, Jonathan R. White
Chapter 8: Background to the Middle East
Unit Lesson
Introduction: History of the Soviet Union and Its Influence on Global Terrorism
The Soviet Union, which is now Russia, has a very lengthy and, at times, tumultuous history. The Soviet
Union was established after the 1917 Revolution on December 20, 1922. There were many events that took
place from 1922 to the collapse of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991 (Sakwa, 2005).
Timeline of Events Surrounding the Soviet Union 1922 to 1991
The Soviet Union existed for 69 years. In that time, there were
many war conflicts, changes of power, invasions of nations,
changes to economic policies, new constitutions added, and
more. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, which led to nearly a decade of fighting, death, and destruction (Sakwa, 2005). As a result of this
conflict, terrorist activity in Afghanistan began to rise as the Taliban had access to weaponry, military equipment, military facilities, emerging technologies,
and other assets left behind by the Soviet Union. It is important to understand the background and history of the Soviet Union to be able to appraise the
effect of the Soviet Union’s downfall on world terrorism.
UNIT IV STUDY GUIDE
The Soviet Union (1991) and Russia’s
Impact on Global Terrorism Today
Soviet Union flags
(Kabasinki, 2013)
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The Rise of the Soviet Union (1917–1924)
The rise of the Soviet Union took place from 1917–1924 (Sakwa, 2005). In that time, many events took place
across this region of the globe, including the Bolsheviks overthrowing the government of Russia, which led to
the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk being created. The treaty allowed several nations in Europe to be freed from
Russia and for the Soviet Union to begin its origination in the region. From 1920–1921, the Soviet Union went
to war with Poland, and it ended shortly after it started (Sakwa, 2005). Poland quickly surrendered to the Soviet Union, and new borders were created
between the two nations. In the early times of the Soviet Union, a new term was created and implemented called war communism. War communism allowed
the Soviet Union to take over and restructure the national economy that was in place. This led to internal conflict within the
Soviet Union, as many starved and died during the early rise of the Soviet Union due to the newly created communist practices.
Terrorism impact: The former Soviet Union and Russia can be credited as one of the many birthplaces of terrorism. In the 19th century, nihilists used political
violence to target the tsarist state and ruling classes of the era. As time moved forward, the Soviet Union actively supported acts of political terrorism
against
opponents throughout the 69 years that the country maintained power (Sakwa, 2005).
Joseph Stalin Gains Power of the Soviet Union During the 1930s (1924–1933)
Joseph Stalin came to power over the Soviet Union in 1924 and ruled until 1953 when he died (“Soviet Union
Timeline,” 2013). In that time, the Soviet Union became an industrial powerhouse and a military force to be
reckoned with. When Stalin took over as dictator, he released a very aggressive strategic plan that would
rebuild the economy and country (in his eyes). The economic plan immediately retracted the former war communist rules and regulations.
Terrorism impact: The Great Terror was run by Stalin in the 1930s to eliminate certain members of the Communist Party. These acts were considered state
acts of terror at the time. He was able to eliminate all political opponents and began widespread arrests, trials, and, in some instances, executions of certain
individuals.
The Soviet Union and World War II (1939–1945)
The Soviet Union was involved in World War II from 1939–1945 (“Soviet Union Timeline,” 2013). In that time,
many events took place that started with Hitler and Stalin agreeing not to go to war with one another. It began
with another war conflict with Poland and resulted in Poland being divided between the Nazis and the Soviet
Union. In 1940, the Soviet Union moved across Europe and took over several countries, including Latvia
(“Soviet Union Timeline,” 2013). Germany did not stick to their agreement with the Soviet Union and began a
war conflict with the Soviets which led to many deaths on both sides World War II ended for the Sovietsshortly after they declared war against the Japanese.
Terrorism impact: The Soviet Union joined WWII in 1939–1940 when Nazi Germany invaded Poland
(“Soviet Union Timeline,” 2013). Many historians state that the actions taken by the Soviet Union in Poland,
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia were considered unethical and immoral, leading to terror throughout Europe
and in many other regions around the globe. In this timeframe, the Soviets made a solid agreement with Nazi
Germany not to go to war. Hitler did not keep his word and reigned terror and a war conflict with the Soviet
Union. The Soviets learned many new war tactics and strategies, which can be linked to modern-day global
terrorism.
The Soviet Union and Weapons of Mass Destruction (1949–1959): Atomic Bombs and Hydrogen Bombs
World War II ended in 1945 for the Soviets, and it led Stalin and the Soviet regime to want to be able to
protect themselves from any enemy that may come knocking on their door in the future: foreign or domestic.
In 1949, the Soviet Union detonated their first weapon of mass destruction (WMDs)—an atomic bomb in
Kazakhstan (“Soviet Union Timeline,” 2013). This completely changed the offensive and defensive tactics of
the Soviet Union moving forward. Stalin and his nuclear scientists continued research and development
efforts to strengthen the power of their WMDs arsenal. In 1953—the same year that Stalin died, the Soviets
detonated their first hydrogen bomb in the Siberian arctic tundra.
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Terrorism impact: This timeframe permitted the Soviet Union to begin development of WMDs. There were
many concerns about how the Soviet Union was going to use nuclear weapons and hydrogen-based bombs
in warfare and for defensive purposes (Arnold & Wiener, 2012). Further, there were global concerns about the
treaty signed between the Soviet Union and China. Was this a part of a nuclear alliance? How would this
affect multination relationships? Would the Soviet Union detonate a WMD in an act of terrorism? Each of
these questions was posed by the United States and many other nations at the time when the Soviet Union
was completing testing in Siberia.
The Soviet Union and the Cuban Missile Crisis (1960–1964)
The early 1960s was a very stressful time for the United States and for the global community. The United
States and its allies felt the tension of Russia as they continued to develop their nuclear arsenal and ballistic
missile capabilities. This was a time when the United States was spying on the Soviet Union, and the Soviet
Union was actively spying on the United States. This was also a time when tensions were so high between
both nations that children in K–12 were conducting WMDs drills in school. Reflect on this point: Can you
imagine as a seven-year-old first grader having to hide under your desk for a potential incoming nuclear
detonation? How scared would you be? What would go through your mind? This is what the Cold War era felt
like for every citizen in the United States. Do you see any parallels to active shooter drills that occur in
schools today?
Terrorism impact: The United States and global community discovered a hidden arsenal of missiles off the
coast of Miami, Florida. Many nations around the world were wondering what the Soviet Union’s intentions
were. Would they begin World War III for no reason at all? How would these events terrorize the United
States and the global community?
Czechoslovakian War Conflict and the Invasion of Afghanistan
The late 1960s through the mid-1980s were very trying times for the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union
continued to start war conflicts because other nations did not support their internal communist beliefs. The Soviets believed that communism would be the
modern-day way of ruling a government globally. The Soviets could not understand why many other nations would not appreciate their way of government
ruling, national economy, and cultural beliefs. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, and the war conflict lasted nearly 10 years (“Soviet Union
Timeline,” 2013). In that time, thousands of soldiers on both sides perished as well as many civilians. In addition, the war led to the rise of the Taliban.
Terrorism impact: The Soviet Union invaded Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Afghanistan in 1979 (Reuveny & Prakash 1999) The initial invasion into
eliminate the organization. In 2014, this terrorist organization
gained worldwide notoriety when they took over several
villages, cities, and provinces in Iraq (Yeşiltaş & Kardaş, 2018).
They are heavily organized, funded, and supported by
hundreds of thousands of individuals across the globe. ISIS is
known for kidnappings, beheadings, and other violent acts of
terrorism. Further, ISIS has a strong presence on the Internet,
social media, multimedia websites, and the Dark Web.
Thousands of individuals have been radicalized by this terrorist
organization, and many of these individuals have carried out
lone wolf terrorist attacks globally (Yeşiltaş & Kardaş, 2018).
• Impact on modern-day Russia: Russia has taken an active role in the Syrian civil war and in other
Middle East conflicts over the past decade. Russia has also launched a direct fight against ISIS and
global jihadist groups to keep terrorism from infiltrating the borders of their nation. Further, in recent
times, the United States has requested additional help from its allies in countering ISIS in the Middle
East, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The list above outlines several terrorist organizations that not only impact Russia but many countries around
the world that support Western values and civilization. As you can see, Al Qaeda, ISIS, and the Taliban are
terrorist organizations that focus their efforts on specific targets within the borders of Russia. Russia is
working independently and with its allies to counter these terrorist organizations on a daily, monthly, and
annual basis.
References
Abbas, H. (2003, February 27). U.S. State Department adds Chechen groups to official list of terrorists. North
Caucasus Weekly, 4(6). https://jamestown.org/program/u-s-state-department-adds-chechen-groups to-official-list-of-terrorists/
Adraoui, M.-A. (2017). Borders and sovereignty in Islamist and jihadist thought: Past and present.
International Affairs, 93(4), 917–935.
Arnold, J. R., & Wiener, R. (Eds.). (2012). Cold War: The essential reference guide. ABC-CLIO.
Ibrahimi, S. Y. (2018). Theory of the rise of al-Qaeda. Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political
Aggression, 10(2), 138–157.
Johnson, T. H. (with DuPee, M., & Shaaker, W.). (2018). Taliban narratives: The use and power of stories in
the Afghanistan conflict. Oxford University.
Kabasinki. (2013). Soviet union flags (ID 39373115) [Photograph]. Dreamstime.
https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-soviet-union-flags-blue-skies-image39373115
Reuveny, R., & Prakash, A. (1999). The Afghanistan war and the breakdown of the Soviet Union. Review of
International Studies, 25(4), 693–708.
Sakwa, R. (2005). The rise and fall of the Soviet Union, 1917–1991. Routledge.
Map of Syria
(Vampy1, n.d.)
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Soviet Union timeline. (2013, October 31). BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17858981
Vampy1. (n.d.). Map of Syria (ID 32789464) [Image]. Dreamstime. https://www.dreamstime.com/stock images-map-syria-hand-drawn-neighboring-countriesimage32789464
Yeşiltaş, M., & Kardaş, T. (2018). The new Middle East, ISIL and the 6th revolt against the West. In M.
Yeşiltaş & T. Kardaş (Eds.), Non-state armed actors in the Middle East: Geopolitics, ideology, and
strategy (pp. 147–167). Palgrave Macmillan.
Learning Activities (Nongraded)
Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit
them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information.
Research a terrorist attack listed on the web page below.
Foreign travel advice: Russia. (n.d.). https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/terrorism
Then, consider how the attack happened within the borders of Russia from 2011–2017 by answering the
three questions below.
1. What terrorist groups was responsible?
2. What motives were behind the attack?
3. How do these terrorist attacks compare to those events that took place before the fall of the Soviet
Union in 1991?