Question

How did Mikhail Gorbachev differ from previous Soviet leaders?

He did not actually believe in communism.
He recognized that the Soviet Union needed to adapt.
He sought to cooperate with the United States.
He acknowledged that communism was not viable.

Answer 1

Correct answers: 2 and 3.

Brief explanation:
- He recognized the Soviet Union needed to adapt: True. Gorbachev introduced perestroika (economic restructuring) and glasnost (openness) because he believed the Soviet system was stagnating and had to be reformed.
- He sought to cooperate with the United States: True. He pursued détente and arms‑control agreements (INF, START talks) and worked with Reagan and Bush to reduce Cold War tensions.

The other two statements are misleading:
- "He did not actually believe in communism" — False. Gorbachev remained a Communist who wanted to reform and save socialism, not immediately abandon the ideology.
- "He acknowledged that communism was not viable" — False as stated. He admitted that the Soviet model was failing in practice and needed major change, but he did not initially declare communism itself inherently unviable.