Mikhail Gorbachev meets Moscow State University students

On March 24, 2010, Mikhail Gorbachev gave a lecture entitled “Russia and Today’s World” to the students of Moscow State University (MGU). Attending the meeting were MGU’s rector, Viktor Sadovnichy, and students of Philology, Philosophy, Law, Political Science, Journalism, and Global Processes Departments. The atmosphere of the meeting was relaxed and cheerful.

Mikhail Gorbachev fielded numerous questions from the students. They asked the former Soviet President about the history of Perestroika, contemporary politics, and Russia’s future.

Below are some of the questions submitted by the students during the meeting:

- What are the prospects for contemporary Russia’s future?

- Could you please tell the name of Russia's next President?

- Perestroika is 25 years old. During the years that have passed, you have obviously more than once reassessed the events of that period. Did you stay true to your ideals and principles?

- What role did Raissa Gorbachev play in Gorbachev’s rise as a politician? How did she feel about the disintegration of the Soviet Union?

- What key features are essential for someone to become a country’s leader?

- What would you like to ask today’s MGU students?

At the end of the meeting Mikhail Gorbachev advised the students to read the Gorbachev Foundation’s most recent fundamental publication ”Responding to the Challenge of the Times. The Foreign Policy of the Perestroika Period: Documentary Records. Based on Transcripts of Conversations between Mikhail Gorbachev and Foreign Leaders and other Materials” and pay particular attention to the following materials:

Interview with V.L. Katayev, Deputy Head of the National Defence and Security Department under the President of the USSR (during 1990-1991)

Interview with N.N. Detinov, employee of the CPSU Central Committee’s Department for Defense Industry, member of the Soviet delegation at U.S.-Soviet talks on intermediate-range missiles and nuclear and space arms