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Soviet Union [USSR] MANIFESTATIONS OF NATIONAL ASSERTIVENESS
Gorbachev's policy of
glasnost' (see Glossary) exposed
the official corruption, economic malaise, and general discontent
that had permeated Soviet society for some time prior to his
assumption of power. Gorbachev encouraged public discussion of
sensitive issues, including the question of nationalities and
religions in the Soviet Union. These policies led to a renewed
ferment among the nationalities throughout the Soviet Union. By
1987 the Baltic nationalities, Armenians, Ukrainians, Soviet
Muslims, Belorussians, Georgians, and others, including native
Russians themselves, were expressing their national and religious
grievances and calling on the regime to redress them.
Data as of May 1989
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