Abstract
1986 saw a string of spectacular releases: Andrei Sakharov, Anatoly Shcharansky, Yury Orlov, Irina Ratushinskaya. Is Gorbachev simply more eager and skilled in the time-honoured practice of using dissenters for bargaining and propaganda purposes? Or has there been a real shift in policy that spells hope for dissenters in the future? Paradoxically, the answer to both questions may be 'yes'.