Gorbachev's Glasnost: A Concept in Need of Theory and Research

Abstract

The concept of glasnost goes back all the way to Tsarist Russia and can also be found in Lenin's works. In proclaiming a policy of glasnost, Gorbachev is focusing less on the right to know, and even less on the freedom of the press, than on the usefulness to the regime of an informed and involved citizenry. While certainly encouraging criticism of those in the apparatus who oppose his policies, Gorbachev hopes above all that glasnost will make it possible to win the voluntary collaboration of society — especially the intelligentsia — in his programme of modernizing the Soviet system. The concept also marks a growing understanding of the role of information in modern society. In particular, it serves the pursuit of three major goals: broadening access to existing information; improving the quality and quantity of information; and making better use of it to inform policy at all levels. As much as glasnost is a concept in need of definition, it is also one in need of theory and research. Meanwhile it presents communication scholars with both new challenges and new research opportunities.