Gorbachev - The Man Who Ended An Empire (406)
Gorbachev - The Man Who Ended An Empire (406)  
Podcast: Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times
Published On: Fri Jun 06 2025
Description: In the annals of history, few leaders have faced the monumental challenges that Mikhail Gorbachev encountered when he rose to power in the Soviet Union in 1985. His ascent came at a time when the nation was grappling with stagnation, disillusionment, and an economy on the brink of collapse. Gorbachev, the youngest General Secretary in Soviet history, was thrust into a leadership role that demanded not only a vision for reform but also the courage to confront an entrenched bureaucracy resistant to change. In a new format I explore the life of Mikhail Gorbachev without a guest. Recommended episodes Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev https://pod.fo/e/244e66 On the Streets of Cold War Estonia fighting for Independence https://pod.fo/e/222e82 Eyewitness to the 1991 Soviet Coup https://pod.fo/e/f7f7 Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode406/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/⁠⁠⁠⁠ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/store/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod⁠⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction 0:01:10 The Man from Stavropol 0:06:35 Acceleration and the Mirage of Momentum 0:13:15 The Opening to the West 0:20:26 Opening the Gates 0:28:08 Signing Away the Missiles 0:34:37 Nations within a Nation 0:40:36 The Centre Cannot Hold 0:46:51 The Coup that Failed 0:58:00 The Weight of Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices