Question

Prompt: List two problems facing the Soviet Union in the 1980s.

Then answer:

Answer 1

1) Economic stagnation and inefficiency of the planned economy — slow GDP growth, poor productivity, widespread shortages of consumer goods, and failure to modernize industry and agriculture.

2) Heavy military and external burdens — enormous Cold War arms spending plus the costly, unpopular war in Afghanistan drained resources, worsened living standards, and undermined public support.