Soviet law has only permitted the establishment of joint ventures within the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) during two separate periods. Similar political and economic considerations were major catalysts for the enactment of both joint venture laws, as well as for the similar themes running through them, though the periods are separated by approximately sixty-five years. Examination of both situations, instead of merely the present one, not only will provide a broader perspective of how the Soviets view joint ventures themselves, but will illustrate how Soviet legislation itself has evolved in considering free-market economic principles.
