Perestroika

Definition

Perestroika, meaning 'restructuring' in Russian, refers to the political and economic reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s aimed at revitalizing the Soviet Union's stagnant economy and making its political system more transparent. These reforms sought to introduce elements of market economics and reduce the strict controls of the communist regime, leading to greater openness and ultimately contributing to the end of the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perestroika was officially launched in 1985 as part of Gorbachev's broader agenda to reform Soviet society and economy, which had been struggling under central planning.
2. The reforms included decentralizing economic control, allowing private ownership, and encouraging foreign investment, which were radical shifts from traditional Soviet practices.
3. The push for greater openness under glasnost allowed citizens to express dissent and critique the government, leading to a rise in public activism and a demand for political freedoms.
4. The implementation of perestroika faced significant resistance from hardline communists within the Soviet government, which ultimately hindered its effectiveness.
5. The combination of perestroika and glasnost played a critical role in weakening the communist regime, contributing to protests and movements across Eastern Europe that helped to end the Cold War.

Review Questions

• How did perestroika change the economic landscape of the Soviet Union?
  • Perestroika introduced significant changes to the economic structure of the Soviet Union by decentralizing control and allowing for elements of market economics. This included permitting private ownership and encouraging foreign investment, which marked a departure from strict central planning. These reforms aimed to stimulate economic growth but ultimately faced challenges due to entrenched bureaucratic resistance.
• Evaluate the impact of glasnost on Soviet society during Gorbachev's leadership.
  • Glasnost had a profound impact on Soviet society by promoting freedom of expression and increasing transparency in government. Citizens were encouraged to voice their opinions and critique government policies, which led to greater public activism. This newfound openness contributed to a culture of dissent against the established order, setting the stage for broader political reforms and ultimately influencing the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Europe.
• Assess the long-term effects of perestroika on global politics after the Cold War.
  • The long-term effects of perestroika reshaped global politics by facilitating the end of the Cold War and leading to significant changes in Eastern Europe. The policies encouraged movements for independence and democratic reforms across former Soviet states and Eastern Bloc countries. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a pivotal moment in world history, creating new nations and altering international relations, as former communist countries transitioned toward market economies and democratic governance.

Related terms

Glasnost:

Glasnost, meaning 'openness,' was a policy introduced alongside perestroika that encouraged greater transparency in government institutions and increased freedom of expression for citizens.

Cold War:

The Cold War was a prolonged period of political tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, characterized by ideological conflict and a nuclear arms race.

Gorbachev:

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, whose policies of perestroika and glasnost were instrumental in bringing about significant changes in Soviet society and ultimately contributed to the dissolution of the USSR.