Perestroika and the Party: National and Transnational Perspectives on European Communist Parties in the Era of Soviet Reform

This collection of studies assesses the impact of Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms on European communism, taking a broader view beyond the Soviet Union and Eastern bloc nations. It explores the transnational effects of glasnost and perestroika, showing how they were received and implemented differently and shaping the prospects for proletarian internationalism in various political contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Numerous studies have examined the profound transformations brought about by Mikhail Gorbachev, yet their examination of the impact on European communism has predominantly centered on the Soviet Union and Eastern bloc nations. This comprehensive collection takes a far-reaching perspective, reconstructing and assessing the historical trajectories of glasnost and perestroika on both sides of the Iron Curtain. Expanding beyond the confines of domestic politics and foreign relations, the research compiled herein constitutes a transnational survey of these reforms' collective impact, revealing how they were received and implemented in varying ways, and how they shaped the prospects for "proletarian internationalism" in diverse political contexts.

Glasnost, which means "openness," was a policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the late 1980s to promote greater freedom of expression and political participation in the Soviet Union. It was a significant step towards democratization and was met with mixed reactions from both the Soviet government and the public. On the one hand, glasnost led to a greater openness in the media and the release of information that had been censored for decades. This increased transparency helped to expose corruption and abuses of power, leading to a wave of protests and political activism. On the other hand, glasnost also led to a rise in nationalism and xenophobia, as people began to question the legitimacy of the Soviet government and its policies.

Perestroika, which means "restructuring," was another policy introduced by Gorbachev in the early 1990s. It aimed to reform the Soviet economy and political system to make them more efficient and competitive. Perestroika involved a range of measures, including privatization, deregulation, and the introduction of market-based economic principles. While perestroika led to some economic growth and increased prosperity, it also caused significant social and economic upheaval. Many workers lost their jobs and benefits, and the standard of living declined in many parts of the country.

The impact of glasnost and perestroika on European communism was complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, they helped to undermine the legitimacy of the Soviet government and its policies, leading to a wave of political protests and revolutions in Eastern Europe. In Poland, for example, the Solidarity trade union movement emerged in 1980, and it led to the collapse of the communist government in 1989. In Hungary, the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 led to the end of communist rule. In Czechoslovakia, the Velvet Revolution of 1989 led to the end of communist rule and the establishment of a democratic government.

On the other hand, glasnost and perestroika also led to a renewed sense of nationalism and xenophobia in Eastern Europe. As people began to question the legitimacy of the Soviet government and its policies, they also began to look for alternative sources of identity and authority. This led to the rise of right-wing political movements and ideologies, such as nationalism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism, which were often used to justify authoritarianism and repression.

In conclusion, the reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev had a profound impact on European communism, both positive and negative. On the one hand, they helped to undermine the legitimacy of the Soviet government and its policies, leading to a wave of political protests and revolutions in Eastern Europe. On the other hand, they also led to a renewed sense of nationalism and xenophobia, which were often used to justify authoritarianism and repression. The legacy of glasnost and perestroika on European communism is complex and multifaceted, and it continues to be a subject of debate and analysis today.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805391326