Mikhail Gorbachev's dual policies of glasnost and perestroika weakened the central power of the Soviet state.

Gorbachev wanted to save the Soviet Union by modernizing it. He introduced glasnost for political openness and perestroika for economic restructuring. Instead of saving the system, these reforms exposed its deep flaws. Once citizens were free to speak, they criticized the government. The central leadership quickly lost control of the public narrative, which triggered democratic movements.