Mikhail Gorbachev

Programme Outline

The story of Mikhail Gorbachev is the story of the USSR, Eastern Europe and to some extent the latter years of the Cold War. There are numerous different Gorbachevs, depending on the time and place from which he is viewed. This programme looks at the reasons for the different interpretations which Gorbachev’s actions and policies have generated.

Introduction

0.00 — 1.00

This short section sets out the paradox which makes Gorbachev an interesting character. He is a hero in much of the Capitalist West, despite being a Communist leader. He is fondly regarded in Eastern Europe, despite being a Russian leader. He is deeply unpopular in his own country, and widely regarded as the man who lost Russia its empire and plunged the country into chaos.

Early Days

1.00 — 6.10

The programme devotes a good deal of time to Gorbachev’s early years, his background, his education and his steady rise through the ranks of the Communist party. There is a certain paradox which emerges in this section. Gorbachev hailed from a family which lived dangerously close to being considered Kulaks in Stalin’s USSR — an unlikely candidate to rise to the leadership of the USSR. His abilities marked him out from an early age. He could almost be regarded as a self-made man, if that were not something not generally approved under Communism. Much is made of his intelligence, which took him to the prestigious Moscow State University, but also the extent to which his commitment to Communism played in giving him this opportunity. In other words, Gorbachev was bright enough to be at the university, but without being ‘politically acceptable’ a country boy like himself would have found it impossible to get there.

Rise To Power

6.10 — 11.50

This section of the programme chronicles Gorbachev’s rise through the ranks of the Communist party. It explains his growing reputation as a man able to get things done. In some interesting footage of interviews with the man himself, a number of characteristics emerge. We see Gorbachev the man, very aware of his own roots and determined not to forget them. We also see the practical man, prepared to subvert the system in order to get things done. The programme charts his rise through contacts with the leading Communists of the day, including Brezhnev. The section ends with Mikhail a member of the Politburo, visiting the West and in 1985 becoming the Soviet leader.

Power

11.50 — end

This section charts the appalling difficulties which Gorbachev inherited as leader of the USSR and his attempts to tackle them. His more approachable attitude, and his radical decisions to pursue nuclear disarmament and economic reform are all analysed in some depth. There is also a good deal of consideration given to his motives for these radical steps. According to the footage from interviews, Gorbachev was well aware of the risks he took. He indicates that he could have remained in power as a traditional style Soviet leader, had he wished to do so. However, he felt that he was trying to pursue bigger goals than simple clinging on to power. The programme concludes with his role in the dismantling of the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the attempted coup against him in 1991, followed by his own resignation.