Glasnosts is a noun that stems from the Russian term "glasnost" and refers to the plural form of glasnost. Glasnost is a political concept that emerged in the 1980s Soviet Union, primarily associated with the policies introduced by General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. It is derived from the Russian word "glas," meaning "public voice" or "openness." Glasnosts, therefore, refers to the various acts or instances of this policy being put into practice.
Glasnosts encompasses the principles of transparency, public disclosure, and openness in government affairs. It signifies the freedom of speech, expression, and access to information for individuals and communities within a society. These policies aimed to bring about greater democratization and public participation, breaking away from the Soviet Union's traditionally secretive and closed approach.
Under glasnosts, citizens were encouraged to engage in political discussions, express their opinions, and play a more active and informed role in public life. This entailed greater media freedom, allowing for more critiques, debates, and discussions on previously taboo topics. Glasnosts represented a significant departure from the previous regime's restrictions on freedom of speech and marked a shift towards a more transparent and accountable governance system.
Ultimately, glasnosts and the broader concept of glasnost sought to foster a more open and democratic society, providing individuals with the opportunity to exercise their civil liberties and participate in shaping the political landscape.
