Gorbachev's Leadership and Reform Philosophy

Overview of Gorbachev’s Leadership Philosophy

  • Gorbachev believed that effective leadership required high-quality leaders and a true vanguard of society.
  • He identified issues within local leadership that needed to be resolved:
    • Bureaucratic boorishness
    • Self-satisfaction
    • Red-tapeism (volokita)
    • Inertia
    • Careerism
    • Incompetence
  • Emphasis on the role of ordinary citizens:
    • Must shed passivity, irresponsibility, and indiscipline.
    • Overcome societal issues like drunkenness, materialism, and cultural vulgarity (poshlost).
  • Gorbachev viewed socialist democracy as a means for economic development rather than an abstract concept.
    • Democracy should serve as an instrument for economic progress (1985).

Moral and Ideological Framework

  • Gorbachev's approach was not only practical but also rooted in deeper moral beliefs:
    • Expressed disgust towards irresponsible behavior.
    • Known for his work ethic and refusal to consume hard liquor.
  • Ideological beliefs centered around socialist humanism:
    • Commitment to the full development of the "human person" (lichnost).
    • Promotion of "universal human values" despite being clichés within Soviet ideology.
    • Unique emphasis on universal values, differing from traditional class-based values.

Initial Actions After Becoming General Secretary

  • Gorbachev’s initial focus was on consolidating power by reshaping leadership.
    • Brought in new members like Eduard Shevardnadze:
    • Appointed to Politburo in July 1985 and became foreign minister the next day, replacing Andrei Gromyko.
  • Faced diverse opposition in the Politburo and Central Committee:
    • Puritans (e.g., Yegor Ligachev) focused on ending corruption from the Brezhnev era.
    • Technocrats (e.g., Nikolai Ryzhkov) sought scientific expertise and rational reforms.
    • Radicals (e.g., Boris Yeltsin) were increasingly critical of Gorbachev's cautious approach, fearing a split within the ruling party.

Conclusion

  • Gorbachev's philosophy combined personal integrity with ideological goals, aiming to create a reform-oriented society through democracy and human-centered values.
  • His leadership style both attracted and repelled various factions within the Communist Party, leading to significant political dynamics in the late 1980s.