APB's Mikhail Gorbachev Reflects on President Vladimir Putin in "TIME" 100
21 Apr 2017
Former president of the Soviet Union, APB speaker Mikhail Gorbachev, advocates for a shift in government when reflecting on his successor Vladimir Putin. TIME magazine recently named Putin as one of the 100 most influential world leaders as part of their annual list.
Gorbachev writes that Putin’s efforts as president stabilized Russia’s government and strengthened its economy when he took office during a crisis; however, an authoritarian rule can only be effective for so long, and the harms now outweigh the benefits. “I am convinced that Russia can succeed only through democracy. Russia is ready for political competition, a real multiparty system...This should define the role and responsibility of the President,” said Gorbachev to TIME.
Gorbachev urges that the future of Russia will be grim if they do not improve the stagnating economy as well as the failing education, healthcare and science programs. Gorbachev, the leader who ended the nuclear threat of the Cold War and introduced the ideas of glasnost and perestroika to a Russia as they rebuilt their government, shares thought-provoking and fascinating insights with audiences as we look toward improving our global future.