Glasnost and Perestroka

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Glasnost and Perestroka
During the 80s, Soviet Union was undergoing a lot of problems. Soviet agricultural sector was falling apart du to lapse in technological advancement. USSR used inefficient factories to produce and lacked technological advancement. Soviet consumers lacked social freedom and were exposed to low quality products. Mikhail Garbachev came up with Glasnost and Perestroika policies to save the Soviet Union from further problems (Simons). Perestroika can be defined s reconstruction of the economic and political system by the communists. Perestroika policies allowed soviet citizen to elect their governments and have a say in the running of the states just like the democratic western states. Economically, the policy allowed semi private businesses to operate and called for de-monopolization of the state industries. This gave room for price controls by the government to end. The main economical of the perestroika policy was to create a semi-free market system that would reflect the economic success of other successful capitalists’ countries, such as United States, Japan, and Germany. However, perestroika policies led to civil unrests, strikes, and long lines in soviet countries. Glasnosts can be defined as the political and social reforms that gave soviet citizens more freedoms and rights. The main goal of the Glasnosts was to create openness in the Soviet countries. In addition it required soviet citizens to be included actively in the political processes through freedom of information and freedom of expression (Simons). Glasnosts policies abolished control of the media by the government. Writers and journalists were given more freedom to expose the depressed condition of the USSR citizens and government corruption. The policies allowed the civil societies to criticize the government on its failures just like the western democratic countries. People were accorded more social freedoms and rights. Soviet people had lived under strict command and regulation since 1917. Glasnosts policies gave rise to nationwide civil unrests and social protests. Perestroika and Glasnosts took effect from mid-80s to early 90s. Yeltsin Boris was the first Russian head of state to be elected by the people. The two policies led to end of the cold war and fall of the Soviet Union. Perestroika and Glasnosts are still relevant because they define the modern capitalist Russia and other Balkan countries (Simons). The symbolize democracy and social freedoms of the Balkan people. People are now enjoying greater independence and greater transparency. The two policies ended the arm race, which could have been the recipe for another major world war. Perestroika and Glasnosts liberated the modern eastern European from the firm grip of the Soviets. Hungary, Poland and other former soviet countries owe their independence to the two policies. The two policies are still relevant today even though they expired in 1991.
What was the explanation given in class for US-Russian relations at present?
Russia’s relationship with USA can be categorized into economic relationship, political, and social relationship. Economic relationship between the two countries is good. The two countries trade with each other often. The political relationship between the two countries is ‘tensed’. Russia and USA disagree on various issues at the world stage. A good example is Russia’ support of rebels in Ukraine. Currently, USA and European Union are contemplating on issuing economic embargoes on Russia due to its role in supporting political instability in Ukraine. The economic, social, and political relationship between the two countries has gradually improved since the end of the cold war. The military rivalry between the two countries has reduced. Currently, the two countries are working together multilaterally and bilaterally to combat HIV, Nuclear weapons proliferation, terror threats, and other global problems. Despite USA imposing economic sanction on Russia, the two countries continue to enjoy diplomatic relationship in research, foreign affairs, military, and education. Currently, the two countries have joined their forces together to fight the Islamic terrorists who pose threat to their interests in the Middle East. The two countries have been working together to restore stability in Syrian in even though they differed in approach. USA was of the view to employ military force while Russia advocated for diplomatic approaches to prevent occurrence of another Libyan crisis (Dannreuther).
However, the ongoing Ukraine crisis is likely to spark cold war tension between the two countries (Fitzpatrick). USA is purporting that Russia is supporting the rebels who shoot down the Malaysian civilian plane. Most international relations specialists are of the view that US-Russia relationships cannot worsen to cold war level despite the Ukrainian crisis (US state of Department). The two nuclear countries represent balance of power in the globe. They are less likely to go against each other given that they have problems of their own. Conflicts of interests between the countries will continue given that they share a lot of common history together. USA and Russia are opposed to North Korea and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The two military giants support the UN economic and military sanctions against the North Korea. Russia President Medvedev met with president Obama in the year 2009, to evaluate the relationship between the two countries and a possible ‘fresh start’.

Works Cited
Dannreuther, Roland. Could IS Bring Russia and the U.S. Together? 1 August 2014. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/could-is-bring-russia-and-the-us-together/506711.html. 9 October 2014.
Fitzpatrick, Meagan. Russia-U.S. relations are chilly, but is this another Cold War? 1 June 2013. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-u-s-relations-are-chilly-but-is-this-another-cold-war-1.2723056. 10 October 2014.
Simons, Peter. PERESTROIKA AND GLASNOST. 1 May 2010. http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/perestroika-and-glasnost. 10 August 2014.
US state of Department. 200 Years of U.S.-Russia Relations. June 2011. http://www.state.gov/p/eur/ci/rs/200years/. 10 October 2014.