Perestroika

Definition

Perestroika, meaning 'restructuring' in Russian, refers to the series of political and economic reforms introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev during the 1980s. These reforms aimed to revitalize the stagnant Soviet economy and decentralize the rigid state control over various sectors. Perestroika is closely associated with the broader push for openness (glasnost) and was a critical factor in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perestroika began in 1985 as part of Gorbachev's strategy to address economic stagnation in the Soviet Union and included initiatives to introduce market-like reforms.
2. The reforms led to increased autonomy for state enterprises, allowing them to make their own decisions about production and sales, which was a significant shift from previous practices.
3. Perestroika coincided with glasnost, creating an environment where citizens could openly discuss problems within the government and society, further fueling calls for reform.
4. The failure of perestroika to achieve its intended results contributed to rising dissatisfaction among various groups within the USSR, leading to political instability.
5. Ultimately, perestroika played a crucial role in weakening central control and contributed to nationalist movements within various Soviet republics, leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Review Questions

• How did perestroika influence economic conditions in the Soviet Union during Gorbachev's leadership?
  • Perestroika introduced significant changes to the Soviet economy by allowing for more autonomy among state enterprises. These reforms aimed to transition from a strictly planned economy towards incorporating elements of a market economy. While intended to invigorate growth and productivity, perestroika faced many challenges, such as lack of proper implementation and resistance from entrenched bureaucratic interests, ultimately resulting in mixed outcomes that failed to revive the economy effectively.
• Discuss the relationship between perestroika and glasnost in terms of their impact on Soviet society.
  • Perestroika and glasnost were interconnected reforms that transformed Soviet society. Glasnost encouraged open discussion about societal issues, while perestroika sought to restructure the economic system. The synergy between these two policies allowed citizens to voice their frustrations regarding economic hardships and political repression, contributing to a climate ripe for social change. This dual approach not only exposed deep-rooted problems but also empowered citizens to demand more significant political freedoms and reforms.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of perestroika on both the Soviet Union's internal structure and its relationship with Western powers.
  • The long-term effects of perestroika were profound, leading to a shift away from centralized control within the Soviet Union. This restructuring catalyzed nationalist movements across various republics, culminating in the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Additionally, perestroika transformed international relations as it contributed to de-escalating tensions during the Cold War; Western powers began viewing Gorbachev's reforms as a sign of openness. This new approach facilitated arms reduction talks and improved diplomatic relations, ultimately reshaping global geopolitics.

Related terms

glasnost: A policy initiated by Gorbachev promoting transparency and openness in government, which allowed for increased freedom of expression and reduced censorship in the Soviet Union.

Gorbachev: Mikhail Gorbachev was the last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and is best known for his reformist policies, including perestroika and glasnost, which aimed to modernize the Soviet Union.

Cold War: A prolonged period of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, marked by ideological conflict and competition for global influence that ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.