Did the fall of the soviet union increase or decrease consumer spending?

Question

I need to know how this impaceted the consumder electronics industry, worldwide.

Answer 1

I would guess (and a guess it is) it had no effect. The fall of the Soviet Union led to a decrease in living standard for Russians, but they didn't have much comsumer spending anyway. Some people (silly them!) hoped the fall of the SU would lead to a decrease in military spending, which could translate into added consumer spending, but that didn't happen. So, probably no big effect.

Answer 2

It depends on which side of the curtain you lived. With communism the people had money but there was nothing to buy. With capitalism the people have lots to buy but no money. The Sovied Union was never a player in the elecronic industry. As time goes by and the people of Russia get more and more into commercialism they shall become larger consumers of products manufactured from around the world. At this moment the ruble is worth 43 cents. It can not be traded on the money markets as it is considered worthless. When they become a member of the World Trade Organization they will then be able to export more of their products. Thus bringing in much needed capital. At the moment their most valuable comodity is oil, which they have been exporting and have paid off their international debt. The problem they are haveing is adjusting to capitalism where you are responsible for your own welfare. With communism the state provided what you needed. Many are suffering as they are still unable to adjust to the new standard of daily life. The largest hurdle the country is faceing is they brought it in overnight. The best way would have been to slowly bring it in and let the populace adjust at a pace they could deal with and understand. I know my answer is symplistic, it is the only way I can explain it without writeing a tome.