Russia 1985-1999: TraumaZone

At the start of the 1990s the Soviet Union - one the largest empires in the world - imploded.

It was not a slow collapse like the British Empire, but one that collapsed suddenly - in just a few months.

In the west we didn't really see or understand what then happened because we were blinded by victory in the cold war. In reality what the Russian people experienced was a profound disaster which left behind it deep scars and a furious anger - that led to what is happening in Russia now and in Ukraine.

This series of films is a record of what it felt like to live through that catastrophe.

It is also the story how a society of millions of people stopped believing in all politics. Not just communism, but democracy too. Something that no-one else has experienced in the modern world. Yet.

Show Info

Web channel: United Kingdom BBC iPlayer (2022 - 2022)
Schedule: Thursdays at 06:00 (~ 60 min)
Status: Ended
Show Type: Documentary
Genres: History
Episodes ordered: 7 episodes

Official site: www.bbc.co.uk

(waiting for more votes)

Previous Episode

Part Seven - 1995 to 1999

Episode 1x07; Oct 13, 2022

A massive boom spreads through Moscow. It seems that capitalism has arrived. But suddenly the western bankers flee taking the money with them. The Oligarchs take control of a ruined society and search for a new president who they believe will make th

Previous Episodes

Episode NameAirdateTrailer
1x07: Part Seven - 1995 to 1999Oct 13, 2022
1x06: Part Six - 1994 to 1998Oct 13, 2022
1x05: Part Five - 1993 to 1996Oct 13, 2022
View full episode list »

Extra Details

Also known as:
  • Russia 1985-1999 TraumaZone: What It Felt Like to Live Through the Collapse of Communism and Democracy
Try 30 days of free premium.