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Mikhail Gorbachev

Definition

Mikhail Gorbachev was General Secretary of Communist Party of Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991. He is known for his efforts to democratize country's political system and decentralize its economy, a policy known as perestroika.

Analogy

Gorbachev was like a new CEO brought in to turn around a struggling company. He tried to implement new policies (perestroika) and change the corporate culture (glasnost), but faced resistance from those who preferred old ways.

Related terms

Perestroika: A political movement within Communist Party of Soviet Union during 1980s, widely associated with Mikhail Gorbachev; it includes restructuring of economic system.

Glasnost: A policy that called for increased openness and transparency in government institutions and activities in Soviet Union.

Communist Party of Soviet Union: The founding and ruling political party of Soviet Union which operated under an ideology based on Marxism-Leninism.