Glasnost was a policy introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at increasing openness and transparency in government. It encouraged citizens to express their opinions and discuss political issues freely, breaking away from the strict censorship that had characterized the Soviet Union for decades. This shift allowed for greater public discourse and criticism of the government, leading to a more informed society. The implementation of Glasnost also had significant cultural impacts, as it allowed for the revival of suppressed literature, art, and media. People began to explore and share their ideas without fear, which ultimately contributed to the decline of the Soviet Union and the rise of democratic movements across Eastern Europe.