'The introduction of the Perestroika and Glasnost was a mistake.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

The introduction of Perestroika and Glasnost could be considered as a mistake as it created some of the problems which eventually led to the collapse of the USSR. Perestroika led to fewer basic goods being available as factory managers switched to producing luxury goods instead of basic goods like food. As a result of the shortages, many basic items became more expensive and thus, leading to inflation. Many workers also became unemployed due to cost-cutting measures. All these affected the Soviet people negatively. With the introduction of Glasnost, the people could now voice their grievances openly, including the criticism of government policies and officials. Demonstrations and protests were allowed. All these created instability, which affected the economy as well. At the same time, morale of the Soviet people became lower as they were constantly exposed to news of inefficiency and corruption of the government through the newspapers. Confidence in the Communist government dropped drastically, which eventually contributed to the breakup of the Soviet Union.

However, considering the circumstances facing the USSR in the 1980s, the introduction of Perestroika and Glasnost might not be considered a mistake. The Soviet economy was declining due to the inefficiency caused by the Communist way of running the country. The workers were unproductive due to the lack of incentives. Thus, Perestroika was introduced to restore vibrancy to the economy. Glasnost was also introduced to encourage a sense of openness among the Soviet people, who would then be willing to contribute new ideas to improve the country. It was also a way to win the people's support for the changes which Gorbachev wanted to introduce. At the international level, the introduction of Perestroika and Glasnost would improve Soviet international image, which had been damaged by Soviet military involvement in Afghanistan.