Soviet leader Gorbachev policies of glasnost and perestroika led to

Glasnost and Perestroika were reform policies by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s. Glasnost meant openness that increased transparency and freedom of speech. Perestroika meant restructuring that aimed at economic reforms. These policies reduced state control and gave more rights to people. Although intended to strengthen the Soviet Union they exposed deep problems that later contributed to its collapse. The reforms also influenced Eastern Europe leading to revolutions and end of communist regimes.