The Paradox of Gorbachev's Reforms
Professor Geoffrey Hosking analyses how democracy can evolve after a totalitarian regime.
The Reith Lectures · BBC Radio 4
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Show Notes
Geoffrey Hosking, Professor of Russian History at University College London, debates the role of pluralist politics in the sixth of his Reith Lectures entitled 'The Rediscovery of Politics'.
In this lecture entitled 'The Paradox of Gorbachev's Reforms', Professor Hosking explores the role that Mikhail Gorbachev has played as the General Secretary of the Communist Party for the Soviet Union and what lasting effect he will have on the State. He considers how the state will develop and asks can a totalitarian system evolve straight into a democracy?