Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev (1931–2022) was the last leader of the Soviet Union, serving as General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1985 to 1991 and as President of the Soviet Union from 1990 to 1991. He is best known for his policies of glasnost ("openness") and perestroika ("restructuring"), which aimed to reform the Soviet system but ultimately contributed to its dissolution.
Gorbachev sought to modernize the Soviet economy, improve relations with the West, and reduce Cold War tensions. He engaged in arms reduction talks with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, leading to agreements such as the INF Treaty in 1987. Domestically, his reforms allowed greater political freedom, but also weakened the Communist Party’s control, fueling nationalist movements across the Soviet republics.
In 1991, a failed coup by Communist hardliners further destabilized the Soviet Union, leading to its collapse in December 1991. Gorbachev resigned, and Boris Yeltsin took over as Russia’s first president. After leaving office, Gorbachev remained active in political and social causes, advocating for democracy and environmental issues.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for his role in ending the Cold War. His legacy remains controversial, with some praising his reforms and others blaming him for Russia’s economic struggles following the Soviet collapse.
