Glasnost Policy

Definition

The Glasnost Policy was a political movement initiated by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at increasing transparency and openness in government institutions and activities. This policy allowed for greater freedom of expression, reduced censorship, and encouraged public discussion, which ultimately played a critical role in the decline of communist control in Eastern Europe and the eventual fall of the Soviet Union.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Glasnost, which translates to 'openness,' allowed for discussions about political, social, and economic issues that were previously suppressed under strict Soviet censorship.
2. This policy led to an increase in political activism, with citizens openly criticizing the government and calling for reforms.
3. The Glasnost Policy contributed to a wave of revolutions across Eastern Europe in 1989, as citizens demanded more freedoms and democratic governance.
4. Gorbachev's introduction of Glasnost was seen as a response to the stagnation within the Soviet economy and dissatisfaction with the government's authoritarian practices.
5. While Glasnost aimed to improve transparency, it also exposed the weaknesses and corruption within the Communist Party, accelerating its decline.

Review Questions

• How did the Glasnost Policy impact public perception of the Soviet government during the late 1980s?
  • The Glasnost Policy significantly altered public perception of the Soviet government by allowing citizens to voice their opinions and criticisms openly. It fostered an environment where people could discuss previously taboo subjects like government corruption and economic challenges. This new openness led to growing discontent with the Communist Party, as citizens began to realize the extent of issues within their society that had long been hidden from view.
• Discuss the relationship between Glasnost and Perestroika, highlighting how they complemented each other in Gorbachev's reform agenda.
  • Glasnost and Perestroika were interconnected components of Gorbachev's reform agenda. While Glasnost focused on increasing transparency and freedom of expression, Perestroika aimed at restructuring the economy to incorporate market principles. Together, these policies sought to revitalize the Soviet Union; however, Glasnost exposed the deficiencies in the economy that Perestroika was attempting to reform. The visibility of these issues fueled public discontent and ultimately undermined confidence in the Communist system.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Glasnost Policy on Eastern Europe and its role in shaping post-communist societies.
  • The long-term consequences of the Glasnost Policy were profound, leading to a domino effect across Eastern Europe as countries sought greater freedoms and democratic governance. By encouraging open dialogue and dissent, Glasnost empowered citizens to challenge oppressive regimes, culminating in revolutions that dismantled communist governments throughout the region. The legacy of Glasnost laid the groundwork for the establishment of new democratic institutions and civil societies in post-communist countries, fundamentally altering their political landscapes and aligning them more closely with Western ideals.

Related terms

Perestroika:

An economic reform policy introduced by Gorbachev that aimed to restructure the Soviet economy by introducing elements of capitalism and market competition.

Dissident: Individuals who opposed or criticized the policies of the Soviet government, often facing persecution for their beliefs.

Cold War:

The prolonged period of political tension and military rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflicts and a lack of direct warfare.