The Impact of Gorbachev's Reforms on the End of the Cold War
Perestroika: Economic Restructuring
- Perestroika aimed to decentralize economic planning and introduce elements of self-management.
- Decentralization: Factories and businesses were given more autonomy.
- Price Controls: The removal of price controls led to inflation and shortages.
- Subsidies: Cutting subsidies to satellite states weakened Soviet influence.
Perestroika was not a move towards capitalism but an attempt to revitalize the socialist economy.
Glasnost: Openness and Transparency
- Glasnost encouraged open discussion and criticism of the government.
- Media Freedom: The press exposed government failures, such as the Chernobyl disaster.
- Historical Reassessment: Past atrocities, like Stalin's purges, were publicly condemned.
- Political Dissent: Dissidents like Andrei Sakharov were released, inspiring further opposition.
Glasnost empowered citizens to demand change, but it also destabilized the regime by undermining its authority.
Demokratizatsiya: Political Reform
- Demokratizatsiya introduced limited political pluralism.
- Multi-Candidate Elections: Allowed for non-communist candidates.
- Local Governance: Greater autonomy for regional governments.
