What term describes the policy of openness initiated by Gorbachev that increased freedoms in the Soviet Union during the 1980s?

The policy of openness initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the Soviet Union during the 1980s is known as glasnost. This term refers to the measures implemented to increase transparency in government institutions and promote freedom of speech and information. Glasnost aimed to reduce the oppressive nature of the Soviet regime by allowing for public discussion of political, social, and economic issues that had been previously suppressed. This openness was a significant departure from the past and encouraged citizens to express their opinions, participate in political discourse, and engage with various societal issues.

In contrast, perestroika refers specifically to the restructuring of the Soviet economic and political system, while détente is a broader term used to describe the easing of tensions between the Soviet Union and the West during the Cold War. Revolucion is not directly associated with Soviet policies and does not capture the essence of Gorbachev's initiatives. Therefore, glasnost is the most accurate term that encapsulates the increased freedoms experienced in the Soviet Union during that time.