"Soviet Studies" is an academic field that focuses on the history, politics, culture, and society of the former Soviet Union. This area of study examines the development of the Communist Party, the impact of Marxism-Leninism, and the various social and economic policies implemented during the Soviet era. Scholars analyze primary sources, including government documents, literature, and personal accounts, to understand the complexities of life in the USSR. The field also explores the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and its aftermath, including the emergence of independent states and the transition to market economies. Researchers investigate the legacy of Soviet policies on contemporary Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as well as the ongoing influence of Soviet history on current political and cultural dynamics in the region.