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Cold War Conversations

Cold War Conversations

Gorbachev - The Man Who Ended An Empire (406)

Cold War Conversations · Jun 6, 2025 · 1:08:28

0:001:08:28

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In the annals of history, few leaders have faced the monumental challenges that Mikhail Gorbachev encountered when he rose to power in the Soviet Union in 1985.

His ascent came at a time when the nation was grappling with stagnation, disillusionment, and an economy on the brink of collapse. Gorbachev, the youngest General Secretary in Soviet history, was thrust into a leadership role that demanded not only a vision for reform but also the courage to confront an entrenched bureaucracy resistant to change.

In a new format I explore the life of Mikhail Gorbachev without a guest.

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Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev https://pod.fo/e/244e66


On the Streets of Cold War Estonia fighting for Independence https://pod.fo/e/222e82


Eyewitness to the 1991 Soviet Coup https://pod.fo/e/f7f7







Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode406/



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00:00:00 Introduction

0:01:10 The Man from Stavropol

0:06:35 Acceleration and the Mirage of Momentum

0:13:15 The Opening to the West

0:20:26 Opening the Gates

0:28:08 Signing Away the Missiles

0:34:37 Nations within a Nation

0:40:36 The Centre Cannot Hold

0:46:51 The Coup that Failed

0:58:00 The Weight of Legacy


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Episodes: Cold War Conversations

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