The USSR in the international division of labour up to the end of the 20th century

Abstract

This article deals with the participation of the USSR in the international division of labour. It is concluded that the present export model of the country consisting of exports of raw materials (mainly energy) and intermediate products, is primarily due to the inability of the country to compete with the industrial, and especially the engineering products of the advanced countries in the world markets. This is due to the low technological and quality levels of the Soviet industry together with the existence of the richest mineral resources in the world within the USSR's boundaries. It is envisaged that within the time limits of this century, the export model of the country could be reformed substantially, under the condition that the new leadership of the USSR has the will and capability to perform radical, large-scale fundamental changes.