It gained prominence in the late 1980s during the era of Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership in the Soviet Union. During this period, Gorbachev advocated for a more open and transparent society, allowing for greater freedom of speech and the press.
Here's what "glasnost" represented:
* Increased freedom of speech: People were encouraged to express their opinions, even those critical of the government.
* Reduced censorship: The government loosened its grip on the media, allowing for greater diversity in reporting.
* More access to information: People had greater access to information, including news and historical documents that were previously restricted.
* Greater transparency in government: The government became more open about its activities and decision-making processes.
"Glasnost" was a key component of Gorbachev's reforms, known as Perestroika, which aimed to restructure the Soviet Union's political and economic systems. It ultimately played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.