Final answer:
Mikhail Gorbachev's policies, perestroika ('restructuring') and glasnost ('openness'), sought to modernize the Soviet Union but inadvertently led to its economic decline and political instability, culminating in its collapse in 1991. Although they failed to save the Soviet Union, these policies played a role in the peaceful end of the Cold War by paving the way for democratic transformations without military intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mikhail Gorbachev implemented significant policies named perestroika and glasnost with the goal of modernizing the Soviet Union during his tenure. Perestroika, meaning 'restructuring,' was aimed at economic reform, introducing some market-like reforms and encouraging private enterprise in a bid to boost the sluggish Soviet economy. Simultaneously, glasnost, meaning 'openness,' was aimed at creating a more transparent and open government, which allowed for increased criticism of the government and paved the way for more democratic practices.
However, these reforms ultimately exposed more profound issues within the Soviet system, leading to severe economic downturns and political instability. Perestroika's market reforms were not enough to revive the Soviet economy, which by 1990 was in a worse state than before. Glasnost led to a surge in public discontent and criticism that the state could not effectively manage. This openness played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, as the Soviet republics declared independence and the old order was unable to maintain its grip on power. While the policies of perestroika and glasnost were well-intended, they inadvertently accelerated the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
Despite the failure of Gorbachev's policies to save the Soviet Union, they played a crucial role in the peaceful resolution of the Cold War. His refusal to use military force to keep the Eastern European satellite states and Soviet republics in check, unlike his predecessors, allowed for a mostly non-violent shift towards independence and democratization within these regions.