SSCB’nin Dağılmasına Giden Sürecin Yabancı Basındaki Yankılarının Bir Örneği: The Times (1-19 Ocak 1990)
An Example of the Repercussions of the Process Leading to the Disintegration of the USSR in the Foreign Press: The Times (1-19 January 1990)

Summary/Abstract: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev initiated his political career in 1952 by joining the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, subsequently ascending to the position of member of the Politburo in 1980. Following his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party in 1985, Gorbachev initiated a series of reforms, collectively known as 'perestroika' (restructuring) and 'glasnost' (openness), with the objective of addressing the economic and social stagnation that had emerged within the Soviet system. While the reforms were designed to invigorate the economy and enhance transparency in society, they resulted in ruptures within the inflexible structure of the Soviet system and prompted heightened demands for independence. The ascendance of nationalist movements, particularly in the Caucasus and Baltic countries, exerted considerable pressure on the governance structure of the USSR. This study examines the manner in which Gorbachev's reforms and the developments in the dissolution of the Soviet Union were reflected in the coverage of The Times newspaper. This study analyses the manner in which the political and social transformations occurring in the Soviet Union were represented in news reports published in The Times between 1 and 19 January 1990. In this context, the paper analyses The Times' assessments of the USSR's internal problems, especially the leadership crisis, economic stagnation and nationalist movements. Gorbachev initially attempted to address the mounting unrest in the Caucasus and Baltic states through a conciliatory approach. However, as the situation deteriorated, he shifted away from this conciliatory stance. The news in The Times provided comprehensive coverage of Gorbachev's challenges in this process and the impact of his reforms. The reform movements initiated by Gorbachev, which had been met with considerable optimism, ultimately proved unsuccessful due to the emergence of national issues and the subsequent disintegration of the Soviet Union. This study examines the portrayal of developments in the USSR and its satellite states in The Times newspaper during the final period of Gorbachev's tenure.

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