Glasnost Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glasnost

[ษกlรฆsหˆnษ”st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

political transparency

Glasnost is a Russian term that means 'openness.' It refers to the policy of more open discussion of political, social, and economic issues in the Soviet Union during the 1980s, particularly under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev. This policy was aimed at increasing transparency in government institutions and encouraging public debate. Glasnost played a crucial role in the movement towards political reform and the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union. It marked a shift away from the repressive control of the communist regime towards a society that encouraged freedom of expression and access to information.

Synonyms

openness, publicity, transparency.

Examples of usage

  • The glasnost policies encouraged citizens to voice their opinions.
  • Under glasnost, many previously censored works were published.
  • Glasnost allowed for greater press freedom in the USSR.
  • The era of glasnost led to a more informed public.

Translations

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Origin of 'glasnost'

The term glasnost originates from the Russian language and literally translates to 'openness' or 'frankness.' It emerged as a significant political concept during the late 1980s when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev implemented reforms intended to revitalize the Soviet system. Gorbachev believed that by fostering an environment of transparency and openness in government and society, it would lead to greater trust and engagement from the populace. Glasnost was one of the twin policies, along with 'perestroika' (restructuring), that aimed to address the stagnation and inefficiencies of the Soviet economy and bureaucracy. The policy encouraged criticism of the government, more freedom of speech, and a more open media landscape, which were previously heavily controlled under the regime. This shift significantly altered the political landscape of the Soviet Union and contributed to the dissolution of communist control and the eventual breakup of the USSR in 1991.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,306 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.