Final answer:
Mikhail Gorbachev's policy of glasnost had a significant effect on the Cold War by allowing citizens within the Soviet Union to freely criticize their government and by paving the way for democratization, which contributed to the Cold War's end.
Step-by-step explanation:
The policy of glasnost had a significant effect on the Cold War by making it easier for citizens to criticize governments. Introduced by Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, glasnost, which means openness, was a radical change from previous policies, allowing greater freedom of speech and transparency within the Soviet Union. This shift led to increased political dialogue, criticism of the government, and ultimately contributed to the democratization of Soviet society and the Cold War's decline.
Whereas the Soviet Union had previously exercised tight control over its satellite states, under Gorbachev's leadership, Eastern European nations began to break free from Soviet influence. Free elections were held, and many former Soviet states established democratic forms of government. Additionally, the policy of glasnost was accompanied by perestroika (restructuring), which sought to revitalize the Soviet economy. Gorbachev's commitment to these policies signaled an unwillingness to use military force to maintain control over Eastern Europe, further easing Cold War tensions.