Gorbachev's Glasnost: Another Potemkin Village?

Publication Date: March 1987

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Mikhail Tsypkin

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Russia and Eurasia

Type: Report

Coverage: Soviet Union

Abstract:

Soviet history teaches that periods of relaxation always have been followed by a return to repression. Only changes empowering Soviet citizens to affect the Kremlin's international conduct, such as freedom of political debate, should permit the U.S. to revise its hard-learned methods of dealing with the Soviets. It is too early to know whether such changes are coming. Until they actually take place, the United States should continue Reagan's realistic and successful policies rather than engage in a dangerous chase of illusory hopes.