The Personnel Revolution in the Years of Perestroika: New People, Old Methods
https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5164-2025-5-81-96
Abstract
Aim. This study aims to identify patterns of the methods of the personnel policy which was carried out by I. Stalin and M. Gorbachev.
Methodology. In this study the author analyzes the sources, the collection, the monograph and the reminiscences of participants of the events, related to the personnel policy in the USSR in the years of perestroika. To achieve the aim, the following methods have been applied: the analysis, the synthesis, the generalization, the chronological and qualitative methods.
Results. In this article the key methods of the personnel policy of M. Gorbachev, that we borrowed from I. Stalin, are demonstrated. The perestroika, that was initiated by M. S. Gorbachev, led to significant changes in political and economic structures of the country, however, misunderstanding of personnel shifts created a unique situation when attempts to reform the system faced resistance from the ‘nominees’, that eventually contributed to crisis growing and the collapse of the Soviet model of governance.
Research implications. The study of the processes and methods of personnel shifts during different historical periods allows a better understanding of adaptation mechanisms of political structures to new conditions. It contributes to the identification of a correlation between personnel decisions and political processes. The article can serve as a basis for comparative studies between other countries, undergoing similar transitional processes.
About the Author
I. S. Novikov
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ilia S. Novikov – Postgraduate Student, Department of Russian History
Moscow
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