Mikhail Gorbachev

Glasnost (openness): allowed for greater freedom of expression and reduced censorship. This policy directly challenged the authority of the USSR and led to increased demands for political reform and indepence in various soviet republics

Perestroika (reconstructing): reform the economy and political structure, attempt to introduce market mechanisms and decentralization significantly weakened the central control of the communist party

Democratization: Competitive elections and new legislative bodies, change to democracy

New thinking: Gorbis shift towards diplomacy and cooperation, to tensions with the west and led to significant arms reduction agreements.

Foreign policy changes: Aimed at decreasing military tensions and fostering better relations with Western countries, which ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War.