Perestroika to Pieces: Soviet Politburo, 1988

Welcome to the inner sanctum of the Soviet Union's power: the Politburo of 1988, a committee shrouded in secrecy and intrigue, where the fate of the USSR hangs in the balance. In this committee, delegates take on the roles of the highest-ranking officials in the Communist Party, each wielding immense influence over the future of the Soviet state. As the USSR faces unprecedented challenges from within and without, the Politburo is at a historic crossroads. Economic stagnation, political unrest, and increasing pressure from international actors threaten the very fabric of Soviet society.

In this committee, the members of the Politburo will confront the daunting task of navigating the Soviet Union through these turbulent times. The central question that looms over this committee is whether to initiate radical reforms to save the Soviet state or to double down on traditional socialist principles, risking further isolation or even dissolution. Delegates will engage in intense debates, strategic planning, and clandestine negotiations, all while managing the complex dynamics of power within the Politburo itself. The actions and decisions of this elite group could lead to the revitalization of the Soviet Union or its disintegration into the annals of history.

As the world watches, the fate of a superpower—and the course of history—lies in your hands. Welcome to the pivotal moment of 1988: the decision point for the Soviet Union. Will you steer the nation towards survival and adaptation, or will it fragment under the weight of its own contradictions? The future of the USSR and the socialist project is yours to determine.

Topic: The Dissolution of the Soviet Union

Note: The Soviet Politburo, 1988 does not have a full backroom and therefore will not include crisis notes.

STAFF

Head Chair: Lena Fiala
Deputy Chair: Harley Chen
Crisis Director: Ali Bhatti