Analysis Of Brezhnev s Policies During The Soviet Union

†¢ Brezhnev’s policies, although initially stemming as negative towards easing relations and tensions both at home and at the international level, they usually ended up benefiting in one way or another. †¢ And even though the USSR invested heavily in agricultural production and failed to increase production proportionately, the standard of living for those living on the country side improved greatly. †¢ The same equation could be applied to Brezhnev’s biggest international policy which, although wanting to aid Arab wars and fund communist movements while holding down movements against communism, eventually brought to Russia an agreement with the US to limit arms and later on with the rest of the powers to finalize the border adjustments†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ The â€Å"Perestroika† policy was announced in 1986 and was another attempt to reorganize the economy. †¢ For the first time in Soviet history, the word â€Å"Glasnost† was spelled out to the nation. †¢ Gorbachev wanted to bring freedom to the people, ease the Party’s control over the media and release thousands of political prisoners. †¢ This was a radical change since control of speech and suppression of any government criticism had previously been the foundation of the Soviet regime. †¢ In 1988 the Law on Cooperatives became among the most radical economic reforms Gorbachev started. †¢ For the first time since Vladimir Lenin’s â€Å"New Economic Policy† in the 1920s, the bill permitted private business in the country. †¢ As a result, private restaurants, shops and other businesses were introduced to the Soviet public, while several major â€Å"All-Union† companies fell into restructuring. †¢ Air giant Aeroflot was split up, eventually becoming several independent airlines that were encouraged to seek foreign investment. †¢ In his strive to reduce the Party’s control over the government, Gorbachev proposed a change to a presidential system and created a new political body known as the Congress of People’s Deputies which was formed in the Soviet Union’s first free democratic election. †¢ On 15 March 1990, following another vote, Mikhail Gorbachev became President of the USSR. †¢ By the end of Perestroika more Soviet republics wanted to