That the USSR achieved what it did is not in dispute... that socialism alone could have achieved this is my point.. russia was a blank slate, primed for rapid improvement. It also didn't improve uniformly (not surprising given its size and geography).

Neoliberal shock doctrine aka capitalism does that (followed by a rule 1 violating insult)

Russia's internal collapse and slide was quite special, and most other former USSR states did better (even pre-1991), including Belarus & Ukraine. That speaks very much to russia, not the USSR of course

I expect people here to be capable of basic research and forming their own opinions. If your opinion is "ussr was perfect, does no wrong" then OK, good for you.

[–] KimBongUn420@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 week ago (1 children)

socialism alone could have achieved this is my point

I'm not saying non socialist countries did not achive improvements in life expectancy, a cost effective part of the appropriated surplus value is allocated by the oppressing classes to their labor pool.

In socialist states a larger part of the surplus is used to improve the labor pool, which explains the rapid growth. Your provided graph obscures it. You'd have to fiddle with the time slider and notice how quickly socialist states pop dark blue in comparison to others.

Russia’s internal collapse and slide was quite special, and most other former USSR states did better (even pre-1991), including Belarus & Ukraine. That speaks very much to russia, not the USSR of cou

I agree that the UDSSR needed to be reformed and it was also the result of the only referendum they had. But to see the stark contrast from before and after the dissolution, and to say that capitalism improved living standards is just assassine

followed by a rule 1 violating insult

Sorry about that. Your dismissive response triggered it

[–] jbloggs777@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 1 week ago

In socialist states a larger part of the surplus is used to improve the labor pool, which explains the rapid growth.

Sure. If the right policies are prioritized and investments made, it should be much more efficient. Investments in primary healthcare and education in particular tend to be clear winners.

stark contrast from before and after the dissolution

Russia's sudden shift to oligargchic capitalism was deeply corrupt and destabilising, harming russia itself and much of the neighbourhood.

to say that capitalism improved living standards is just assassine

It's not capitalism that improves living standards. It's sustained (and sustainable) growth, stable institutions and investment over time. Both capitalism and socialism can (and have) supported that, each with risks and caveats.

Sorry about that

Thanks