Former Soviet Union Countries Research Articles

Psychological distress and voting behaviour in nine countries of the former Soviet Union

Poorer mental health is linked to a lower likelihood of voting in elections. However, little is known about this association in non-Western settings. This study examined the association between psychological distress and voting in nine countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU). Data were analysed from 18,000 respondents aged ≥ 18 in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Ukraine collected during the Health in Times of Transition (HITT) survey in 2010/11. Information was collected on previous voting behaviour and future voting intentions. Psychological distress was assessed with a 12-item scale. In pooled multivariable logistic regression analyses psychological distress was significantly associated with ‘never voting’ (not having voted previously or intending to vote in future) and ‘past voting only’ (having voted previously but not intending to vote in future). In stratified analyses psychological distress was linked to never voting in women and working-age adults. The significant association between psychological distress and voting was observed only in hybrid political regimes. Psychological distress is associated with a reduced likelihood of voting in FSU countries especially among women, working-age adults and those in hybrid political regimes.

EXEMPLIFYING THE (DE)SECURITISATION OF ENERGY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

EXEMPLIFYING THE (DE)SECURITISATION OF ENERGY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION Pınar AKGÜL Abstract Growing energy resources demand an increase in the importance of new energy suppliers as well as routes. Alternative abundant energy suppliers and routes simultaneously increase the importance of the Black Sea Region (BSR). Inspired by the concept of securitisation, this article examines the nature of energy relationships among BSR countries. It is argued that accepting the fact that all countries in the region are prone to securitise energy supply or demand in their bilateral relations, the degree of securitisation differs from country to country. While Russia and a number of former-Soviet Union countries highly securitise energy, Turkey sees energy as a foreign policy tool, and tends to desecuritise energy in its relations with other countries. Securitization in this regard refers to conceptualising energy as a high political and security issue and potentially brings conflict or creates tension, whereas desecuritisation transforms security concerns into a commercial transaction. Moreover, criticising the conceptual aspect of the securitisation, this article examines the actions and practices of states referring to actual policies, such as energy projects (pipelines) in addition to speech acts. Keywords: energy, securitisation, the Black Sea region, energy projects Jel Codes: F50, F59, Q49

Reforming the Public Sector in Eastern European and Former Soviet Union Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACTThis article applies a systematic literature-based approach to select, analyze, and categorize publications appearing on public sector management (PSM) reforms in Eastern European (EE) and former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. Findings of the literature review reveal the complexity of reformation in the region and point to the multilayered character of the reform processes, including design of the reform content, implementation, and evaluation of achieved results. The analysis, also shows that the reforms’ results are uneven and somewhat controversial. This article contributes by systematizing literature on transforming PSM in EE and FSU countries; analyzing the trajectories of the dominant reforms and finding overlooked topics; providing avenues for future research; and by contextually covering twenty-eight countries that experienced economic transition and significant societal transformations.

Accounting for transition: A literature review

The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review analysing the effects arising from the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in former Soviet Union countries (FSUC). The benefits and challenges identified through international accounting studies are applied as a conceptual framework to analyse the existing literature on the effects of IFRS adoption in transition economies. The article adopts a mixed-method approach that explores content by performing a qualitative analysis with quantification using NVivo software. By integrating findings and perspectives from 46 academic papers published in the English language literature from 2005 to 2020, the study highlights key achievements and limitations in FSUC, making findings readily available for scholars, policymakers and practitioners. Although adoption of IFRS is shown in the article to have a non-significant impact on practices in FSUC, the study’s conclusions contribute to the international debate on the relevance of IFRS to the national needs of different countries, particularly for those transition economies with a strong codified legal tradition rooted in the previous administrative system associated with Soviet accounting.

Phylogenetic relationships of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Poland: The emergence of Beijing genotype among multidrug-resistant cases.

The epidemiological situation of tuberculosis (TB) in Poland urges for its continuous and scrupulous monitoring. The objective of this study was to explore the genetic diversity of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and drug-susceptible (DS) Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Poland with a combination of spoligotyping and high-resolution mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analysis. The results were placed in the Northern and Eastern Europe context. The study included 89 (39 MDR and 50 DS) M. tuberculosis isolates collected from as many patients between 2018 and 2021 in Poland. The analysis was done using spoligotyping, and MIRU-VNTR typing at 24 standard loci. The data were compared to those available on Poland and neighbors and global M. tuberculosis datasets. The main identified families were Beijing (28.1%) and Haarlem (16.8%) while 34.8% of isolates were in the heterogeneous L4-unclassified group. Although the Beijing family was the most prevalent (61.5%) among MDR-TB cases, it accounted for only 2% of DS isolates. Among foreign-born patients, a higher ratio of MDR isolates were observed when compared with those who Poland-born (64.3% vs. 40%). Furthermore, all patients from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries were infected with MDR-TB. Whereas DS M. tuberculosis population in Poland is dominated by L4 isolates, MDR isolates are mostly of the Beijing genotype. The rise in the prevalence of the Beijing isolates in Poland, coupled with high proportion of the Beijing genotype among foreign-born TB patients may reflect an ongoing transmission of this family, imported to Poland mainly from FSU countries.

Origin and evolution of subtype B variants in the former Soviet Union countries.

Contrary to the global trend, between 2010 and 2020, an increase of 43% new HIV infections was recorded in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Analyses of phylogenetic relationship, and routes and modes of transmission of the HIV-1 subtype B across the former Soviet Union (FSU) region are currently lacking. The objective of this analysis was to investigate the origin and transmission routes of HIV subtype B in FSU countries. We performed phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses using 21,007 publicly available subtype B sequences from Europe and Asia, including thirteen FSU countries. Our study suggests that BFSU strain evolved more recently in FSU countries (Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) compared to the Western B variant in Western Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland). The primary high-risk group responsible for the transmission of subtype B was found to be MSM/homosexual. Intermixing of phylogenetic clusters among high-risk groups and bridging with the general population indicated that the HIV epidemic is no longer confined to distinct key populations - emphasizing an urgent need to improve the HIV harm-reduction efforts among high risk as well as general populations.

Double-edged sword: persistent effects of Communist regime affiliations on well-being and preferences

During Communism, party members and their relatives were typically privileged elites in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the former Soviet Union (FSU). At the same time, secret police informants were often coerced to spy and report on their fellow citizens. After the fall of Communism, CEE countries and the Baltics underwent decommunization, unlike most FSU countries. This paper is the first to empirically distinguish between these two Communist party regime affiliations and study their long-term implications for the well-being and preferences of affiliated individuals and their relatives. In the FSU, we find that individuals connected to the former Communist party are more satisfied with their lives, but those linked to secret police informants seem to have lower life satisfaction than those without such ties. The life satisfaction benefit of having former Communist regime party connections in the FSU is, on average, equivalent to one month’s household income. Simultaneously, the psychological costs of being an informant can amount to two monthly household incomes. In CEE countries, having informant connections is not associated with life satisfaction, but having links to the former Communist party is negatively correlated with subjective well-being. Formal and informal decommunization efforts are an important mechanism behind our findings. We also show that those connected to the former regimes differ from those without such connections in their preferences for democracy and market economy, levels of optimism, and risk tolerance, which provides suggestive evidence for the mechanisms underpinning our findings. Our results underscore that the former Communist regimes produced winners and losers based on the trustee status of their collaborators that decommunization efforts further shaped and solidified. Future decommunization efforts in the FSU may thus have important welfare implications.

What next for the polyclinic? New models of primary health care are required in many former Soviet Union countries

BackgroundThere is unfinished reform in primary care in Russia and other former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. The traditional ‘Semashko’ multi-specialty polyclinic model has been retained, while its major characteristics are increasingly questioned. The search for a new model is on a health policy agenda. It is relevant for many other countries.ObjectivesIn this paper, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of the multi-specialty polyclinic model currently found in Russia and other FSU countries, as well as the features of the emerging multi-disciplinary and large-scale primary care models internationally. The comparison of the two is a major research question. Health policy implications are discussed.MethodsWe use data from two physicians’ surveys and recent literature to identify the characteristics of multi-specialty polyclinics, indicators of their performance and the evaluation in the specific country context. The review of the literature is used to describe new primary care models internationally.ResultsThe Semashko polyclinic model has lost some of its original strengths due to the excessive specialization of service delivery. We demonstrate the strengths of extended practices in Western countries and conclude that FSU countries should “leapfrog” the phase of developing solo practices and build a multi-disciplinary model similar to the extended practices model in Europe. The latter may act as a ‘golden mean’ between the administrative dominance of the polyclinic model and the limited capacity of solo practices. The new model requires a separation of primary care and outpatient specialty care, with the transformation of polyclinics into centers of outpatient diagnostic and specialty services that become part of hospital services while working closely with primary care.ConclusionThe comprehensiveness of care in a big setting and potential economies of scale, which are major strengths of the polyclinic model, should be retained in the provision of specialty care rather than primary care. Internationally, there are lessons about the risks associated with models based on narrow specialization in caring for patients who increasingly have multiple conditions.

Thirty years of economic transition in the former Soviet Union: Macroeconomic dimension

The paper contains a retrospective analysis of macroeconomic policy and reforms in the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) from 1992 to 2021, after obtaining political and economic independence in 1991. Special attention is given to problems of macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth. As a result of structural distortions inherited from the Soviet economy and the slow pace of economic and institutional reforms, the FSU countries suffered from a long and deep output decline in the 1990s. Their post-transition growth recovery in the 2000s did not last long. Furthermore, they remain vulnerable to both domestic and external economic shocks. Given the limited predictability of post-COVID global economic trends and the damaging consequences of the war in Ukraine, this vulnerability will likely continue in the next couple of years.

Health literacy in former Soviet Union immigrants in the US: A mixed methods study

BackgroundPeople with limited health literacy may have trouble finding, understanding, and using health-related information and services and navigating the healthcare system. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the health literacy of immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) using the Health Literacy Survey (HLS19-Q12 in Russian) and explore associated socio-demographic factors. MethodThis mixed methods study recruited adult immigrants through social networks and social media and included data from online survey and follow-up interviews. Variance in health literacy was explained using multiple linear regression. Qualitative data were analyzed through modified Grounded Theory approach. FindingsSurvey respondents (n = 318) were primarily female college-educated FSU immigrants aged 20–74 from 14 of the 15 FSU countries and distributed across 33 US states. Forty percent scored at or below predefined cut-offs for inadequate or problematic health literacy levels. Social status, social support, and English proficiency were significant variables in explaining variance in health literacy scores while controlling for age, gender, and education. Interviews (n = 24) identified eight themes: English proficiency, social support, health insurance, experience with health care, complexity of the US healthcare system, relevant health information, health beliefs/practices, and trust. DiscussionThere is a need to distribute health-related information in the native language (e.g., Russian), potentially through social media and immigrants' social networks. Health providers should be aware of the prevalence of inadequate and problematic health literacy among FSU immigrants and consider associated social factors.

Stalin and the origins of mistrust

We examine current differences in trust levels within the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and trace their origins back to the system of forced labor during Stalin, which was marked by high incarceration rates and harsh punishments. We explore whether those exposed to knowledge about the repressions became less trusting and transferred this social norm to future generations and communities. We argue that political repressions were more salient and visible to local communities living near forced labor camps (gulags), which symbolized the harshness of Stalin’s regime. Combining contemporary survey data with the geolocation of forced labor camps, we find that living near former gulags lowers present-day social trust and civic engagement. These effects are independent of living near places where Stalin’s victims were arrested. Moreover, they are above and beyond any experiences with war or civil conflict that the extant literature documents, indicating that the gulag system's repressiveness is a crucial trigger of the mistrust culture within the FSU countries today. As such, we furnish novel evidence on how past political repression matters for current socioeconomic outcomes.

Origin and evolution of HIV-1 subtype A6.

BackgroundHIV outbreaks in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries were characterized by repeated transmission of the HIV variant AFSU, which is now classified as a distinct subtype A sub-subtype called A6. The current study used phylogenetic/phylodynamic and signature mutation analyses to determine likely evolutionary relationship between subtype A6 and other subtype A sub-subtypes.MethodsFor this study, an initial Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis was performed using a total of 553 full-length, publicly available, reverse transcriptase sequences, from A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 sub-subtypes of subtype A. For phylogenetic clustering and signature mutation analysis, a total of 5961 and 3959 pol and env sequences, respectively, were used.ResultsPhylogenetic and signature mutation analysis showed that HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 likely originated from sub-subtype A1 of African origin. A6 and A1 pol and env genes shared several signature mutations that indicate genetic similarity between the two subtypes. For A6, tMRCA dated to 1975, 15 years later than that of A1.ConclusionThe current study provides insights into the evolution and diversification of A6 in the backdrop of FSU countries and indicates that A6 in FSU countries evolved from A1 of African origin and is getting bridged outside the FSU region.

“Парадокс здоров’я” та іммігранти з колишнього CРСР: інтегрована теоретична модель

This study examines the critical mechanisms explaining the health outcomes of such understudied social group as immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU), including Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, among other countries. Literature on the ‘health paradox’ suggests that immigrants from various countries enjoy better health than their native-born counterparts. Importantly, however, this trend does not seem to exist among FSU immigrants, especially those residing in the United States. In addition, while research studies find that socioeconomic status (SES) is the fundamental cause of health and illness among native-born individuals, higher SES does not appear to be the health-protective factor among the FSU group, likely due to their unique experiences and beliefs. Consequently, a new model is necessary to provide a more nuanced explanation of health outcomes of immigrants from FSU countries. Drawing on medical sociology and epidemiology literature, first, this paper outlines unique factors that explain health of FSU immigrants and argues that particular attention should be paid to acculturation, its sources, and the mechanisms through which it affects health. Specifically, differential levels of acculturation shape the degree to which FSU immigrants engage in risky behaviours, hold unique beliefs, access health care, and cope with stressors, which, in turn, influences their physical and mental health. Second, hypotheses are proposed based on the new model to be tested by future studies and third, unique interactive effects on health outcomes are discussed including such factors as SES, gender, country of origin, and other social structural factors. Overall, this paper contributes theoretically to medical sociology, epidemiology, social psychology, and global studies by outlining the novel model conceptualizing immigration and health relationships among one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in contemporary society.

Disability and psychological distress in nine countries of the former Soviet Union

BackgroundPeople with disabilities (PWD) are at increased risk of poor mental health. However, this association and the pathways involved remain under-researched in many parts of the world. This study examined the association between disability and psychological distress in nine countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU). MethodsData were analysed from 18,000 adults aged ≥18 years collected during the Health in Times of Transition (HITT) survey undertaken in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine in 2010 and 2011. Information was obtained on disability status, the severity of the disability and psychological distress. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate associations. ResultsIn a fully adjusted combined country analysis, disability was associated with over two times higher odds for psychological distress (odds ratio [OR]: 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86-2.58). The strength of the association varied across the individual countries. Among PWD more severe disability was associated with significantly higher odds for psychological distress (OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.26-3.55). LimitationsThe data were cross-sectional and disability status was self-reported, possibly resulting in underreporting. ConclusionsDisability is associated with worse psychological health in FSU countries, especially among those with more severe disabilities. As poor mental health may also increase the risk of negative outcomes in PWD, this finding highlights the importance of the early detection and treatment of mental disorders in PWD in these countries.

Disability and loneliness in nine countries of the former Soviet Union

BackgroundPeople with disabilities (PWD) often face structural and other barriers to community involvement and may therefore be at risk of loneliness. Yet, so far, this issue has received little attention. ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between disability and loneliness in nine countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU). MethodsData were analyzed from 18000 respondents aged ≥18 that came from the Health in Times of Transition (HITT) survey that was undertaken in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine in 2010/11. Respondents reported on whether they had a disability (no/yes) and its severity. A single-item question was used to assess loneliness. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations. ResultsAcross the countries, 6.8% of respondents reported being disabled. In a fully adjusted combined country analysis, disability was associated with higher odds for loneliness (odds ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.60). In an analysis restricted to PWD, individuals in the most severe disability category (Group 1) had over two times higher odds for loneliness when compared to those in the least severe disability category (Group 3). ConclusionsDisability is associated with higher odds for reporting loneliness in the FSU countries and this association is especially strong among those who are more severely disabled. An increased focus on the relationship between disability and loneliness is now warranted given the increasing recognition of loneliness as a serious public health problem that is associated with a number of detrimental outcomes.

Place of birth for unintended pregnancies in six former Soviet Union countries.

This paper aims at exploring the association between unintended pregnancies and place of birth in six Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. A secondary analysis of the latest cross-sectional Demographic and Health Surveys of six FSU countries from 2005 through 2012 was conducted. Prevalence of institutional births and unintended pregnancies was estimated by country and for the pooled population. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to measure the country and pooled association between pregnancy intention and institutional birth. Institutional births occurred in 90.4% of the overall study population and ranged from 78.2% in Tajikistan to 99.7% in Ukraine Demographic and Health Survey. Around one out of 10 pregnancies resulted unintended. In the pooled analysis, unintended pregnancies were significantly associated with giving births outside health facility (aOR1.2; 95% CI 1.0-1.6). Based on the study findings we suggest that increase awareness of benefit of skilled delivery care is needed among women with poor access to family planning.

Overview of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever 15-year morbidity within 2005-2019 based on ProMED-RUS reports

Background: Russian-language ProMED-mail (ProMED-RUS) reports on emerging infectious diseases in 15 Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. Among them several regions are endemic for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Methods & materials: To assess the epidemiology of CCHF in the territory of FSU we reviewed 267 ProMED-RUS reports about CCHF posted from 2005 to 2019. Moderator's comments also were taken in account. Results: According to ProMED-RUS, within 2005-2019 CCHF were registered in Russia (Rostov, Stavropol, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, republics of Kalmykia, Kabardino-Balkariya, Dagestan, Ingushetiya), Kazakhstan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Between 2005 and 2019, 1,885 cases, including 42 fatalities were recorded in Russia (case fatality rate (CFR) 3%). The highest incidence rate was registered between 2006 and 2008 (200–234 cases). Beginning from 2009, the incidence rate decreased and reached 70-80 cases annually. In 2015, 2016 and 2019 new peaks of CCHF morbidity were recorded (139, 162 and 120 annual cases accordingly).ProMED-RUS started to report about CCHF in the South of Kazakhstan (Jambyl, Kizilorda and Turkestan regions) since 2008, with the highest number of cases (26) in 2009. Between 2010 and 2019 10–20 cases were registered annually with CFR 20-30%.In Tajikistan, ProMED-RUS reported on 5 cases in 2009 including 3 fatalities, CFR was 60%. There are no more available information in Russian language mass media since that time. ProMED-RUS first reported on CCHF cases in Georgia in 2009. In 2010-2012, sporadic cases were registered in the country; since 2013, more than 10 cases were diagnosed annually. CFR in Georgia was more than 30%. In 2019 ProMED-mail first reported on CCHF case in Kyrgyzstan which was imported to Kazakhstan.ProMED-RUS reported also on 13 CCHF cases in Uzbekistan within 2013–2015, including 10 fatal cases, and 2 fatal cases in 2017.Kazakhstan (2009), Tajikistan (2009), and Russia (2011) recorded 3 nosocomial clusters among healthcare workers with 5, 7, and 9 cases respectively. Cluster in Russia was probably related with aerosol-generation procedures. In other countries transmission was connected with unprotected contact with infected blood. Conclusion: ProMED-RUS reports in FSU countries regularly provide useful and prompt information, which allow to monitor epidemiological situation with CCHF in the region.

Alcohol control policies in Former Soviet Union countries: A narrative review of three decades of policy changes and their apparent effects.

Issues.The last Soviet anti-alcohol campaign of 1985 resulted in considerably reduced alcohol consumption and saved thousands of lives. But once the campaign’s policies were abandoned and the Soviet alcohol monopoly broken up, a steep rise in mortality was observed in many of the newly formed successor countries, although some kept their monopolies. Almost 30 years after the campaign’s end, the region faces diverse challenges in relation to alcohol.Approach.The present narrative review sheds light on recent drinking trends and alcohol policy developments in the 15 Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries, highlighting the most important setbacks, achievements and best practices. Vignettes of alcohol control policies in Belarus, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania and Uzbekistan are presented to illustrate the recent developments.Key Findings.Over the past decade, drinking levels have declined in almost all FSU countries, paralleled by the introduction of various alcohol-control measures. The so-called three ‘best buys’ put forward by the World Health Organization to reduce alcohol-attributable burden (taxation and other measures to increase price, restrictions on alcohol availability and marketing) are relatively well implemented across the countries.Implications.In recent years, evidence-based alcohol policies have been actively implemented as a response to the enormous alcohol-attributable burden in many of the countries, although there is big variance across and within different jurisdictions.Conclusion.Strong declines in alcohol consumption were observed in the 15 FSU countries, which have introduced various alcohol control measures in recent years, resulting in a reduction of alcohol consumption in the World Health Organization European region overall.

Prevalence and spatiotemporal dynamics of HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form 03_AB (CRF03_AB) in the Former Soviet Union countries.

BackgroundHIV-1 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) infections has been increasing in Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries in the recent decade. One is the CRF03_AB, which circulated in the region since late 1990s and probably became widespread in northwestern FSU countries. However, there is not much information provided about the dissemination of this recombinant. Here, we examine the prevalence, evolutionary dynamics and dispersion pattern of HIV-1 CRF03_AB recombinant.MethodsWe analyzed 32 independent studies and 151 HIV-1 CRF03_AB pol sequences isolated from different FSU countries over a period of 22 years. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Bayesian coalescent-based method was used to estimate the evolutionary, phylogeographic and demographic parameters.ResultsOur meta-analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of CRF03_AB infection in northwestern FSU region was 5.9% [95%CI: 4.1–7.8]. Lithuania (11.6%), Russia (5.9%) and Belarus (2.9%) were the most affected by CRF03_AB. We found that early region wide spread of HIV-1 CRF03_AB originated from one viral clade that arose in the city of Kaliningrad in 1992 [95%HPD: 1990–1995]. Fourteen migration route of this variant were found. The city of Kaliningrad is involved in most of these, confirming its leading role in CRF03_AB spread within FSU. Demographic reconstruction point to this is that CRF03_AB clade seems to have experienced an exponential growth until the mid-2000s and a decrease in recent years.ConclusionThese data provide new insights into the molecular epidemiology of CRF03_AB as well as contributing to the fundamental understanding of HIV epidemic in FSU.

A Comparative Study of Intimate Partner Violence in Post-Soviet Countries: Evidence from National Surveys

Investigating intimate partner violence (IPV) in different societies and analyzing micro- and macro-level factors that contribute to IPV is important for social scientists to understand the nature of IPV. The present study provides a cross-country examination of the prevalence of physical IPV and empirical correlates of physical IPV in five post-Soviet countries. This research is based on the data generated through the Demographic and Health Surveys. The findings demonstrate that 12%–26% of women in the former Soviet Union (FSU) experienced physical IPV at some point in their lives. While partner’s controlling behavior, alcohol consumption, and witnessing IPV in the family-of-origin are found to be significantly associated with IPV in all five FSU countries, the results of regression analyses point to some interesting findings and indicate inconsistencies among the FSU countries. Using improved measures of IPV, this research illustrates the complexity of the relationships between economic and social statuses of women, their experiences, empowerment, and IPV.