Mikhail Gorbachev: Farewell Address

Explanation and Analysis of the Document

Gorbachev begins by stating his support for the independence of nations but also stating that his hope had been that the Soviet Union might be preserved. He makes reference to Alma-Ata, the name of a set of accords confirming the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev then acknowledges that when he assumed power, the Soviet Union was faced with numerous problems: squandered natural resources, a suffocating bureaucracy, ideological rigidity, and an onerous arms race with the United States. These problems required radical change in the country, particularly what he calls “democratic reform.” While the country has achieved spiritual and political freedom, particularly freedom of the press and worship, multiparty elections, and free enterprise, “we haven't learned to use freedom yet.”

Perhaps the most welcome statement Gorbachev makes is this: “We're now living in a new world. An end has been put to the cold war and to the arms race, as well as to the mad militarization of the country, which has crippled our economy, public attitudes and morals. The threat of nuclear war has been removed.” He indicates that the now-defunct Soviet Union has “opened itself to the world” in large part to ensure that the nation's stockpile of nuclear weapons is secured.

Gorbachev calls attention to “popular resentment” in Soviet culture, a resentment born of rigidity, fear of change, ideological bias, intolerance, and party and state structures, all of which needed reform. While again Gorbachev supports the changes that are under way, he laments that “the people in this country are ceasing to become citizens of a great power and the consequences may be very difficult for all of us to deal with.” He concludes his address by expressing hope that the people of the Soviet Union could reclaim their culture and civilization and create a prosperous, democratic society.