SEPTEMBER 2022

Mikhail Gorbachev (1931-2022) was a visionary leader who thus helped to bring an end to the Cold War. As a result, he will be remembered as a legend in history.

 While the Cold War eventually ended without major conflict, Gorbachev's leadership played a significant role in its demise.

Mikhail Gorbachev was born in the Soviet Union in 1931. He joined the Communist Party in 1952 and rose quickly through the ranks. He became General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1985 and President of the Soviet Union in 1988. 

• मिखाइल गोर्बाचेव:  प्रसिद्ध और विवादास्पद 

In October 1990, he was awarded Nobel Peace Prize. However, his attempt to democratize the Communist Party led to a power struggle within the party. 

Gorbachev was ultimately forced out of office by a coup attempt in 1991 by hardliner Communists. He died 30th August, 2022.

SOVIET-AFGHAN WITHDRAWAL

One of the most contentious aspects of his legacy is his decision to withdraw Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 was highly unpopular.

• Afghan Withdrawal Inviting Catastrophe 

• Sacrificed for Nothing in Afghanistan 

• NATO & Article 5 

By the mid-1980s, the Soviet Union was embroiled in a costly war with no end in prospect. To reduce tensions with the West and focus on domestic issues, Gorbachev began withdrawing Soviet troops from Afghanistan in 1988. 

By this time, the Soviet-Afghan War had been ongoing for nearly a decade.

However, the withdrawal proved to be a controversial move. It left the Afghan government vulnerable to civil war. The Afghan government quickly collapsed, and the country descended into civil war. 

The Taliban emerged as a powerful force, and in 1996 they took control of Kabul. The Taliban regime was characterized by its brutality and intolerance, and it quickly became a breeding ground for terrorists like al-Qaeda.

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The Taliban regime was characterized by its brutality and intolerance, and it quickly became a breeding ground for terrorists like al-Qaeda

What started with the Soviet withdrawal, in a domino effect, Afghanistan changed the history of the world with September 11 attacks, the violent era in Afghanistan and Iraq, and elevated global terrorism for the next 20 years.

• मिखाइल गोर्बाचेव:  प्रसिद्ध और विवादास्पद 

This decision of withdrawal proved to be highly unpopular with many Soviets, and it is still debated among historians. Nevertheless, many historians believe that the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan was a critical factor in the collapse of the Soviet Union itself.

Others maintain that the Soviet Union was doomed to fail in Afghanistan regardless of Gorbachev's actions and that his withdrawal saved soviet lives and prevented further damage to the Soviet Union's reputation.

END OF COLD WAR

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, is often credited with helping to end the Cold War. As Soviet leader, he implemented a series of reforms that came to be known as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).

These policies led to greater freedom of expression and less government control over the economy, which helped ease tensions between the Soviet Union and the West. 

In addition, Gorbachev's calls for disarmament and his willingness to work with Western leaders raised hopes for a more peaceful world.

 As a result, he negotiated arms treaties like the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which helped to reduce tensions between the USSR and the United States.

SOVIET UNION ECONOMY

Gorbachev came to power at a time when the Soviet Union was facing economic difficulties. To revive the stagnant economy, Gorbachev implemented a series of reforms known as perestroika (restructuring). 

These reforms included decentralized planning, increased foreign investment, and greater openness to criticism.

These reforms included privatizing state-owned businesses and decentralizing economic decision-making.

• मिखाइल गोर्बाचेव:  प्रसिद्ध और विवादास्पद 

For the first time in history, prices for goods and services were determined by supply and demand. Previously, it was the government which decided the prices. 

It led to widespread inflation and economic shock, causing hardships for many Soviet citizens, who were used to receiving subsidies for essential goods and services.

In addition, Gorbachev's reforms led to increased competition from foreign companies, which put pressure on Soviet industry. The combination of these factors led to widespread dissatisfaction with Gorbachev's policies.

Perestroika (restructuring) generated significant discontent with the Soviet government and contributed to the collapse of Communism in East Europe by giving people more freedom to express their opinions.

His legacy is still controversial in Russia and other former Soviet republics.

While Gorbachev did not directly cause the collapse of the Soviet Union, his reforms undoubtedly played a role in its downfall. Many believe that his policies led to the break-up of the Soviet Union and the subsequent economic decline of Russia.

COMMUNISM

As the leader of the Soviet Union, he presided over the dissolution of Communism in East Europe. However, many people saw Gorbachev as a traitor to Communism. 

In particular, Mikhail Gorbachev's decision to allow free elections in Eastern Europe led to a series of pro-democracy uprisings that eventually toppled Communist regimes across the region.

While Mikhail Gorbachev's policies played a role in the fall of Communism, it is vital to remember that he was not solely responsible for the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

The Soviet Union was vast, with dozens of ethnic groups and competing interests. When Gorbachev took power, internal problems and external pressures already beset it. Nevertheless, Gorbachev's reforms accelerated its decline.

• मिखाइल गोर्बाचेव:  प्रसिद्ध और विवादास्पद 

UNIFICATION OF GERMANY

There is no denying that Gorbachev played a pivotal role in the events of 1989. It led to the rise of nationalism and hence, the unification of Germany. However, many argue that his reforms were necessary to bring about democracy and free markets taking root in Eastern Europe.

Under his leadership, the Soviet Union began to relax its grip on Eastern Europe and allowed Germany to reunify. His decision to allow free elections in East Germany paved the way for the eventual reunification of the two countries. 

This openness led to a series of protests in East Germany, ultimately leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

His willingness to negotiate with West German Chancellor Kohl also contributed to a climate of trust and cooperation between the two leaders.

However, some historians have argued that Gorbachev went too far in accommodating West Germany's desires for unification. 

They point to the fact that he made significant concessions on crucial issues such as NATO membership and economic assistance. As a result, they argue that Gorbachev essentially gave away too much for too little in return.

Also, his handling of the reunification process was highly controversial, and many Europeans felt he had betrayed their trust. 

In particular, Gorbachev's decision to allow East German refugees to enter West Germany without consulting with other East European leaders led to a significant rift between the Soviet Union and its allies.

LEGENDARY, YET CONTROVERSIAL

On the one hand, his reforms led to more freedom and democracy in Eastern Europe. On the other hand, his policies also caused economic turmoil and political instability. 

Regardless of one's interpretation, there is no doubt that Mikhail Gorbachev was a pivotal figure in European history who had a transformative effect on the Soviet Union and Europe as a whole.

In the end, Mikhail Gorbachev's legacy is complex and fascinating, making him one of the most intriguing leaders of our time.