glasnost etymology

Etymology:

  • Russian: гласность, from глас ("voice")

Meaning:

  • Openness, transparency

Origin:

The term "glasnost" was coined in the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s by General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev as part of his policy of political and economic reforms. It was one of two key pillars of his reform program, along with perestroika ("restructuring").

Glasnost aimed to increase public access to information, promote freedom of speech, and reduce censorship. It was seen as a way to combat corruption, stagnation, and the suppression of dissent that had characterized the Brezhnev era.

Initially, glasnost was implemented cautiously, with the government gradually loosening restrictions on media and public discourse. However, it quickly gained momentum and became a catalyst for wider political changes. The lifting of censorship allowed for a proliferation of previously banned books, films, and articles, which exposed the failures and problems of the Soviet system.

Glasnost also played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union. By allowing for open discussion and criticism of the government, it eroded public confidence in the Communist Party and paved the way for democratic reforms.

Impact:

Glasnost had a profound impact on Soviet society and the world at large:

  • It opened up the Soviet Union to the outside world, fostering greater understanding and cooperation.
  • It contributed to the end of the Cold War and the promotion of human rights and democracy.
  • It inspired similar movements in other authoritarian regimes, such as the Velvet Revolutions in Eastern Europe.
  • It became a symbol of openness and accountability in government, and its legacy continues to inspire efforts towards transparency and freedom of expression around the world.

glasnost relate terms

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  • gallium

    Etymology From Latinized New Latin gallium named after Gallia Gaul modern France w

  • glasnost

    Etymology Russian гласность from глас voice Meaning Openness t

  • Glagolitic

    Etymology The name Glagolitic derives from the Old Church Slavonic word глаголъ

  • plunge

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  • colonel

    Etymology of Colonel The word colonel comes ultimately from the Latin term columna

  • imagination

    Etymology Latin imaginatio image conception French imagination Meaning Ima

  • salvation

    Etymology From Old French salvacion from Latin salvatio a saving rescue preservati

  • disheveled

    Etymology Disheveled is derived from the following linguistic elements dis pre

  • enterprise

    Etymology The term enterprise has its origins in the Old French word entreprendre fo

  • police

    Etymology The word police originates from the Old French term police which is itse

  • clever

    Etymology Origin Latin clevere meaning able to steal Root Proto Indo European k

  • appreciate

    Etymology Origin Latin appreciare from ad towards and pretium price value M

  • wait

    Etymology Old English wæht Proto Germanic wahti Proto Indo European weh t woh t