Meaning: The quote refers to a significant moment in history when Mikhail Gorbachev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union on March 11, 1985. This event marked the beginning of a period of profound transformation and reform within the Soviet Union, as well as in its interactions with the Western world, specifically the United States. The quote is attributed to Stephen Cohen, a prominent educator and historian known for his expertise in Russian and Soviet studies.

Mikhail Gorbachev's ascension to power represented a pivotal moment in the history of the Soviet Union. As the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev initiated a series of reforms aimed at revitalizing the country's stagnant economy, addressing social and political issues, and redefining its foreign policy. This period of reform, known as perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness), sought to bring about significant changes in the Soviet Union's governance and society.

Internally, Gorbachev's reforms aimed to modernize the Soviet economy by introducing elements of market-oriented policies and decentralizing decision-making processes. The goal was to make the Soviet economy more efficient and responsive to the needs of the population. Additionally, Gorbachev's policies aimed to increase political openness and transparency, allowing for greater freedom of expression and a more participatory political system.

Externally, Gorbachev's leadership ushered in a new era in Soviet-American relations. His willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiate with the United States contributed to a thawing of the Cold War tensions that had defined the relationship between the two superpowers for decades. Gorbachev's efforts to pursue arms control agreements and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict played a crucial role in reshaping the dynamics of international diplomacy.

Stephen Cohen, as an educator and scholar, likely emphasized the significance of Gorbachev's leadership and the subsequent reforms due to their far-reaching implications for global politics and the trajectory of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev's reforms ultimately set the stage for the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, marking a profound shift in the geopolitical landscape.

In conclusion, the quote highlights the pivotal moment when Mikhail Gorbachev assumed leadership of the Soviet Union and the subsequent wave of reforms that unfolded both domestically and in the country's relations with the West. The impact of Gorbachev's leadership reverberated globally, reshaping the Soviet Union and its interactions with the United States, and ultimately contributing to the transformation of the international political order.