Amusingly, we're seeing history repeating itself here. In the early 20th century, while western economies were becoming increasingly intertwined, the Soviet Union stood apart. As the sole communist state, its trade connections with the capitalist world were minimal. This isolation would prove crucial when the Great Depression struck.

Unlike capitalist countries, whose closely linked economies suffered devastating blows, the Soviet Union's closed system largely shielded it from the crisis. In fact, one could argue that the depression even benefited the USSR.

Desperate times in the West created a unique labor pool for the Soviets. To fuel their ambitious industrialization plans, they recruited skilled workers, especially from the USA. Engineers, farmers, and industrialists flocked to the USSR, eager for work and the chance to contribute to building a new society.

American farmers, with their vast experience in large-scale agriculture, played a key role in developing Stalin's collective farms. The Dnieper Hydroelectric Power Station benefited from the experience of American engineers, six of whom received the prestigious Order of the Red Banner of Labor for their contributions.

Today, Russia is likewise benefiting from being decoupled from the west which insulates it from the economic disaster that's currently unfolding.

https://archive.ph/xRTC6