Such difficulties are likely to get worse towards the end of the year, when companies traditionally try to settle accounts with employees.

ECONOMIST: Unpaid wages in China

Similarly, the institution of private property particularly the massive, confiscated assets of the communist party and the ability of republics to secede provided they can settle their accounts with Moscow in hard currency are almost sure to become flashpoints.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | The Soviet Union In Crisis: US Interests And Responsibilities