The Intelligence from The Economist Iron Curtain call: Mikhail Gorbachev
Aug 31, 2022
Join Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia editor for The Economist, who shares insights from his interviews with Mikhail Gorbachev. He discusses Gorbachev's complex legacy as both a reformer and traitor in today’s Russia. Simon Wright provides a deep dive into the electric vehicle market’s hurdles, revealing potential supply chain issues that could stunt growth. Fiametta Rocco takes listeners on a journey through Neville's monumental sculpture 'City', showcasing how art can transform landscapes and perceptions.
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Gorbachev's Background
- Mikhail Gorbachev's peasant upbringing and family experiences shaped his aversion to Stalinist repression and violence.
- His time at Moscow State University solidified his belief in a more humane form of socialism.
Unintended Consequences
- Gorbachev's reforms of Perestroika and Glasnost unintentionally led to the Soviet Union's collapse.
- The empire, built on lies and repression, crumbled when these pillars were weakened.
Gorbachev's Legacy
- While Gorbachev was a skilled Communist Party player, his aversion to widespread violence set him apart.
- His refusal to use mass repression against his own people is a key part of his legacy.