Mikhail Gorbachev's election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union represented a significant transition for the USSR, ushering in a new era of leadership. Coming into office amidst an economic crisis and widespread public disillusionment, Gorbachev sought to address the failings of the Soviet system that had been caused by long-standing bureaucratic practices and stagnant economic performance. He was known for his more open dialogue with the public and encouraged political pluralism within the Communist framework. He introduced the concepts of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which aimed to reform the political and economic landscape of the entire country. This was a bold move that challenged the established orthodoxy and resonated with a populace eager for change. His leadership style was characterized by engagement and a quest for modernization.

Gorbachev's policies had far-reaching implications, not only for the Soviet Union but also for international relations during the Cold War. By advocating for disarmament and cooperating with Western leaders, he played a crucial role in reducing tensions between the East and West. His reforms, however, though intended to strengthen the communist system, ultimately led to increased demands for autonomy from various Soviet republics, setting the stage for the eventual dissolution of the USSR. Gorbachev's approach reflected an understanding that the survival of the Soviet Union depended on adaptation and reform, a viewpoint that contrasted sharply with the hardline attitudes of his predecessors. His election was thus not just a change of personnel, but indicative of a shifting paradigm in Soviet governance and international diplomacy.