Patriot

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Patriot plots the course of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was established in 1922 after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, promising a communist society based on Marxist-Leninist principles. Over the decades, it became a global superpower, especially after World War II. It dominated Eastern Europe and engaged in a prolonged ideological conflict with the United States, which became known as the Cold War era. 

By the late 20th century, the Soviet system faced numerous challenges. Since the Soviet economy heavily relied on oil and gas exports, it was vulnerable to fluctuating global prices. Additionally, the cost of maintaining a vast military-industrial complex in its arms race against the US strained resources. The Soviet economy began to falter in the 1970s due to stagnation in industrial and agricultural production. Poor infrastructure, outdated technology, and inefficient state enterprises worsened the crisis. Food shortages became common, leading to long queues and widespread dissatisfaction among citizens. The collapse in oil prices during the 1980s further exacerbated economic problems.

Mikhail Gorbachev became the general secretary of the Communist Party in 1985 and recognized that major reforms were necessary.