ABSTRACT
The course of the State Conversion Program has reflected the influence of those groups who seemed to be incapable of freeing themselves from militarized psychology, policy, and philosophy. Implementation of the State Conversion Program led to a tenfold increase in the prices of farming equipment. Unsatisfactory performance in this area was caused in part by state orders for the production of new equipment which were imposed without consideration for each factory’s main production specialization, and in part by the state’s disregard for market needs. The Conversion Program provided 36 billion rubles for civilian R&D between 1991 and 1995. In fact, the Conversion Program became a hostage of the selfish interests of the reactionary bosses of the military establishment. The popular slogans of conversion were used by them to strengthen their positions. It is in this context that we can gain perspective on the conversion challenge and continue upon this road with resolve and hope for success.
