Part 4/8:
The Struggle for Reform: Gorbachev's Transformative Leadership
The leadership crisis that preceded the Soviet Union's collapse came to a head when Mikhail Gorbachev ascended to power in 1985. Recognizing the pervasive stagnation within the Soviet economy and discontent with the existing government structure, Gorbachev initiated two key reforms: Perestroika (restructuring) aimed at revamping the economy and Glasnost (transparency) intended to democratize political discourse.