Mikhail Gorbachev, revered by many in the West for his commitment to "openness" and democratizing reforms, has a more mixed reputation in Russia, where he is associated with the fall of an empire. In this episode, William Taubman discusses his new biography of Gorbachev, emphasizing how the leader's personal history and character were reflected in his leadership, and how the policies of Vladimir Putin can be read as a response to Gorbachev’s contested legacy.
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Referenced in this Episode
Gorbachev: His Life and Times by William Taubman
More books by William Taubman
Interim Executive Director, Davis Center
Cris Martin is the interim executive director of the Davis Center for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Bertrand Snell Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, Amherst College
