Mikhail Gorbachev

Real World Example

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, serving from 1988 to 1991, and is best known for his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) to reform the Soviet system. These policies aimed to reduce government censorship, encourage open discussion, and introduce economic reforms, ultimately leading to the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev's actions mattered because they helped ease tensions between the Soviet Union and the West, leading to greater global stability and cooperation. Today, his legacy of openness and reform inspires movements for transparency and democracy around the world. For example, his approach encourages people to value open dialogue in solving political and social issues, which is reflected in movements advocating for government transparency and citizen participation in decision-making processes.