Glasnost

Definition

Glasnost was a policy of increased transparency and openness in government institutions and activities in the Soviet Union. Introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, it aimed to reduce corruption and increase freedom of information.

Analogy

Think of Glasnost as opening all the windows in a stuffy room. Before, everything was closed off and secretive (like a room with closed windows). But with Glasnost, the windows are thrown open, letting fresh air (or transparency) circulate freely.

Related terms

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.

Propaganda: Information used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union with its satellite states (the Eastern Bloc), and the United States with its allies (the Western Bloc) after World War II.