Mikhail Gorbachev: "Looking Back on Perestroika"

Monday, November 11, 2002
4:00 PM
Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall
45 Quincy Street
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Download transcript with Gorbachev's remarks in English translation (14-page PDF file)

News Coverage

Harvard Gazette

Harvard Crimson

Boston Globe

Background

Mikhail Gorbachev served as leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991. He began to democratize the oppressive system he inherited, bringing an end to Communist rule in the USSR and Eastern Europe. Two Russian words entered the global lexicon as a result of his leadership: perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness). In Russian with simultaneous interpretation. Possible Q&A to follow.

Security restrictions: No backpacks, large bags, or cell phones allowed.

View press release.

Links

Time magazine's profiles of Mikhail Gorbachev:
1987 Man of the Year
1989 Man of the Year

Chronology of Mikhail Gorbachev's life and career.

Minute-by-minute chronology of August 1991 coup.

Disclaimer: These links are provided as a convenience only and their inclusion here does not imply endorsement by the Davis Center or Harvard University.