Glasnost

The Live Ring campaign around the KGB building in Moscow

Glasnost (Russian: гла́сность) was a policy that called for increased openness and transparency in government institutions and activities in the Soviet Union. Introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, Glasnost was a significant shift from the traditional policies of secrecy and repression that had characterized the Soviet government since the 1920s. It was part of Gorbachev's broader reform agenda, alongside Perestroika (restructuring), aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and society and reducing corruption.

Background

The Soviet Union, since its establishment following the Russian Revolution of 1917, was known for its strict control over information and the suppression of dissent. The government maintained tight control over the media, literature, and public discourse, often under the guise of protecting state security and maintaining ideological purity. By the early 1980s, the economic and political stagnation in the USSR had become increasingly apparent, leading to calls for reform.

Introduction of Glasnost

Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in March 1985. Recognizing the need for change, he introduced Glasnost and Perestroika as part of his reform agenda. Glasnost, which literally means "openness," was aimed at reducing the corruption at the top levels of the Communist Party and the Soviet government, and at encouraging a more open discussion of political, social, and economic issues.

Effects of Glasnost

Glasnost led to significant changes in the Soviet Union. For the first time, the media were allowed to report on sensitive issues such as government corruption, social problems, and previously banned literature became available to the public. This openness also facilitated greater freedom of expression and led to an explosion of cultural and intellectual activity. Additionally, Glasnost allowed for the airing of views critical of the government, leading to a surge in political activism.

However, Glasnost also had unintended consequences. The airing of previously suppressed information and the discussion of the Soviet Union's problems, including its history of repression, the Gulag system, and the Stalin era's excesses, led to increased social unrest and contributed to the growing nationalist movements within the various Soviet republics. This ultimately contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Criticism and Legacy

While Glasnost is credited with contributing to the peaceful end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union, it has also been criticized. Some argue that it was too little too late to save the Soviet system and that it unleashed forces that Gorbachev was unable to control. Others, however, view it as a bold and necessary step towards greater freedom and openness in a society that had been closed off for too long.

Glasnost's legacy continues to influence Russian and post-Soviet states' policies and their approach to government transparency and freedom of expression. It remains a pivotal moment in the 20th century, marking a significant shift away from authoritarianism towards a more open and transparent government.