Suchergebnisse

Alcohol abuse in the Soviet Union has been the subject of jokes and misinterpretation in the West. This article describes the cultural, sociological, and political forces around and within the Soviet drinking problem. The Western stereotype of the Soviet soldier as a drunkard is tempered with a prediction suggesting how warfare may affect his drinking habits. Possible short and long-term effects of continued alcohol abuse by large portions of the Soviet population are examined for its impact on their future military potential. The article attempts to refocus attention away from traditional preconceptions of Soviet drinking and toward areas that will affect current and future soldiers' performances.

The cultural context of alcohol abuse in the USSR & its impact on the Soviet military are outlined. Analysis of data (Treml, Vladimir G., "Alcohol Underground in the U.S.S.R.," paper prepared for a convention of the American Assoc for the Advancement of Slavic Studies, Sept 1981) detailing the consumption of 80% samogan (moonshine) reveals a 300% rise since the early 1960s. Factors responsible for historical alcohol abuse in the USSR, as well as the recent escalation, are suggested. Alcohol consumption in the armed forces is estimated to outpace the civilian figures, & is blamed for theft-related material losses & alcohol-related accidents. Any administrative attempt in the near future to curb the problem through primitive means is unlikely because it would imply an admission of governmental weakness to deal effectively with the problem. 5 Figures. Modified HA

Contents: Soviet drinking culture; Alcohol abuse in the armed forces; Alcohol abuse--future repercussions; Military manpower.