what connections exist between gorbachev's desire to improve the soviet union and the soviet union's relationship to the united states
Gorbachev's desire to improve the Soviet Union was closely tied to the Soviet Union's relationship with the United States. Gorbachev believed that by fostering better relations with the United States, the Soviet Union could reduce military tensions, improve economic prospects, and enhance its international standing.
Gorbachev's efforts to improve relations with the United States included signing landmark agreements such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which aimed to reduce the nuclear arsenals of both countries. These actions were seen as key steps towards fostering trust and cooperation between the two superpowers.
Additionally, Gorbachev's policy of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) included greater transparency and liberalization of Soviet society, which allowed for increased communication and exchange between the Soviet Union and the United States. This openness helped to build bridges between the two nations and soften longstanding hostilities.
Overall, Gorbachev's efforts to improve the Soviet Union's relationship with the United States were instrumental in shaping the course of international relations during the late 1980s and early 1990s, ultimately leading to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.