Glasnost, a policy under Gorbachev, emphasized which principle?

• A. Military expansion
• B. Openness and transparency
• C. Economic centralization
• D. Censorship

Answer: (B)

Glasnost centers on openness and transparency in government and information. Under Gorbachev, this meant loosening censorship, allowing more free discussion of political and social issues, and making officials more accountable by letting citizens see and question how decisions were made. It was about bringing public scrutiny into the political process and making information more accessible, so people could safely voice criticisms and new ideas. This approach was part of broader reforms to improve decision-making and legitimacy by engaging society rather than keeping everything hidden. The other options don’t fit: military expansion focuses on power projection rather than openness; economic centralization runs counter to the reforms aimed at loosening central control; censorship is what Glasnost sought to reduce, not emphasize.