Monitoring of Popular Discontent 1982-85

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After Brezhnev's death in 1982...

  • Andropov succeeded Brezhnev as soviet leader but retained control of the KGB
  • He continued to monitor public opinion using techniques such as phone tapping and intercepting mail.
  • Andropov was aware of Brez's failings as a leader, corruption of the gov. and the popular discontent with the gov.
  • He was concerned with anti-communist sentiment in eastern europe (poland especially)
  • Thus he saw the use of authoritarian policies as justified.

Popular discontent and social malaise 

  • soviet citizens were anxious that as the 1970s progressed living standards were improving more slowly
  • they were dissatisfied with the quality and availability of consumer goods and food
  • they felt there were insufficient opportunities for promotion within the USSR.
  • they resented the privileges and corruption of party members…

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