Who was the Russian president known for introducing the concepts of perestroika and glasnost?

Study for the Social Studies 30-1 Diploma Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

The correct answer is Gorbachev, who was pivotal in transforming the Soviet Union during the 1980s with his introduction of the policies perestroika and glasnost. Perestroika, which means "restructuring," was intended to reform the Soviet economic and political system by introducing elements of market economics and reducing central control. Glasnost, translating to "openness," aimed to foster greater transparency in government and promote freedom of expression, allowing citizens to voice their critiques and engage in public discourse.

These policies were significant because they marked a departure from the rigid controls of the past, paving the way for increased political pluralism and a more open society. Gorbachev’s initiatives were instrumental in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, as they fostered a climate that eventually led to the independence of various Soviet republics and significant changes in the global political landscape.

In this context, other leaders mentioned did not introduce these specific policies. Putin, for example, is known for his return to more centralized power. Boris Yeltsin focused on post-Soviet reforms but did not originate glasnost and perestroika. Khrushchev was notable for policies like de-Stalinization, which were different from G

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