Who was the Soviet statesman credited with bringing an end to the Cold War?

Mikhail Gorbachev is credited with bringing an end to the Cold War due to his significant reforms and policies, which reshaped the Soviet Union's approach to both domestic and foreign affairs. His introduction of glasnost (openness) allowed for more transparency in government and increased freedom of expression among Soviet citizens, while perestroika (restructuring) aimed at economic reform and modernization.

Gorbachev's willingness to engage in dialogue with Western leaders, such as U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, marked a shift in Soviet foreign policy that contributed to de-escalation of tensions. He played a crucial role in negotiating arms reduction treaties and fostering cooperation, leading to the dismantling of the Iron Curtain and ultimately the dissolution of the Soviet Union itself in 1991.

The other figures mentioned had earlier prominent roles in Soviet leadership but did not have the same impact on the Cold War. Leonid Brezhnev’s era was characterized by a rigid status quo, while Joseph Stalin maintained a repressive regime that heightened conflict. Vladimir Lenin's leadership occurred before the Cold War commenced, focusing instead on establishing the Soviet state. Thus, Gorbachev's policies and actions were pivotal in transitioning from Cold War host