Unchained Reactions Chernobyl, Glasnost, and Nuclear Deterrence

When part of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded in 1986, former President Gorbachev was promoting the wholesale restructuring (perestroika) of Soviet society, in part fostering new thinking and more openness (glasnost). As this study shows, the events at Chernobyl could not have occurred at a worse time for Soviet hardliners opposing Gorbachev's reform. The Communist Party's inability to control the public's perception of the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster reveals how glasnost contributed to the eventual independence of the former Soviet republics.This book recounts a string of significant events that hurried the effects of glasnost along: the accident itself, the attempted coverup, the inept efforts to clean up the site, and the growing realization by Soviet citizens of what had really happened. The author shows how the bureaucracy's inadequate response to the disaster has exacerbated public distrust of government and brought home another reality - the horrible effects of nuclear disaster.The Chernobyl disaster continues to affect the way citizens of the defunct Soviet empire think about nuclear power and nuclear war. Thanks to Gorbachev's reforms the voice of the people is now reflected in the policies of Russia and the other new republics. It is apparent from such recent events as US-Russian agreements on drastic nuclear cuts, and the Ukraine's alleged renunciation of nuclear power status, that the effects of democratization are making themselves felt. Barring a resurgence of reactionary forces in Russia and the Ukraine - which is not impossible - the tragedy of Chernobyl may have contributed to that most worthy of goals - deterrence of nuclear war.Paul G. CerianLieutenant General, United States ArmyPresident, National Defense UniversityHopkins, Arthur T. is the author of 'Unchained Reactions Chernobyl, Glasnost, and Nuclear Deterrence', published 2002 under ISBN 9781410201041 and ISBN 141020104X.