What internal issue within the USSR contributed to its eventual economic collapse?

The internal issue that significantly contributed to the economic collapse of the USSR was the strains from military spending. Throughout the Cold War, the Soviet Union engaged in an arms race with the United States, allocating a substantial portion of its resources to military and defense expenditures. This focus on military capabilities came at the expense of consumer goods and services, leading to shortages and a declining quality of life for citizens.

As the USSR sought to maintain its superpower status, particularly in the face of competition from the West, the overwhelming costs of maintaining a large military apparatus strained the Soviet economy. The diversion of funds and resources into military initiatives limited investment in essential sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and consumer industries. Over time, this inability to meet the basic needs of its citizens and sustain economic growth became a significant factor in the eventual collapse of the Soviet economic system.

While unemployment, inflation, and political corruption did play roles in the overarching challenges faced by the USSR, they were largely symptomatic of the deeper issues related to an economy overly focused on military spending. Thus, this focus on military expansion and the subsequent economic imbalance it created was a pivotal factor in the decline of the Soviet economy.