"The Russian drama began at the end of 1991, when the Soviet Union mercifully ended. Russia and 14 other new countries emerged from the ruins of the Soviet Union. Every one of those 15 new states faced a profound historical, economic, financial, social and political challenge"

Jeffrey Sachs' quote encapsulates the transformative period of the early 1990s, marking the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of 15 independent republics, including Russia. The expression "The Russian drama started" highlights the troubled and unpredictable age that took place following the collapse of a superpower whose influence extended throughout much of the world. The end of 1991 is determined as a turning point, emphasizing how rapidly the geopolitical landscape was improved with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a significant event described as a "merciful" ending. This choice of word suggests an understanding that the Soviet system had been unsustainable or damaging, and its conclusion was unavoidable and even helpful.

The emergence of "Russia and 14 other brand-new nations" highlights the intricacy and variety of the post-Soviet area. Each of these new states possessed distinct identities, political landscapes, and financial conditions, regardless of shared experiences under Soviet rule. Their self-reliance marked the start of a significant shift, necessitating the establishment of new governance structures, financial systems, and global relationships.

Jeffrey Sachs mentions the "extensive historic, financial, monetary, social and political obstacle" faced by these states, indicating that the collapse triggered a multi-faceted crisis. Historically, they had to redefine national identities and rewrite histories that had often been reduced or homogenized under Soviet ideology. Financially and financially, the transition from centralized, state-controlled systems to market economies was stuffed with problems, including hyperinflation, unemployment, and hardship. Socially, these modifications resulted in new social dynamics, filled with opportunities and inequalities. Politically, developing democratic systems and steady governments required getting rid of legacies of authoritarianism and centralized control.

In sum, Sachs' quote reviews the significant and complex reformations that these countries had to navigate as they entered sovereignty, highlighting both the challenges and chances of this pivotal historical moment.