The first thirty years were years of experiment, of extreme hardship and of many failures.

FORBES: Looking for China's Democratic Path

In Russia's case, however, these measures (see article) are poorly suited to remedy the economy's ills and, coming after nearly a decade of extreme hardship, are bound to deepen most Russians' cynicism about their political masters.

ECONOMIST: Russia devalued

The nomadic way of life has disappeared almost everywhere else in the world but remains alive in Kyrgyzstan partly because of extreme economic hardship.

BBC: Nomadic Kyrgyzstan

Davis argues that what makes people more prone to mental health problems is subjection to "structural violence" -- exposure to extreme political, economic or social hardship.

CNN: Seeking comfort from faith healers in India