What were some of the policies that Mikhail Gorbachev introduced?

One of the policies that Mikhail Gorbachev introduced was
Perestroika. It was, in part, an attempt to accelerate social and economic progress.
According to Gorbachev, Perestroika was the:

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"conference of development of democracy,
socialist self-government, encouragement of initiative and creative endeavor, improved
order and disciple, more glasnost, criticism and self-criticism in all spheres of our
society. It is utmost respect for the individual and consideration for personal
dignity."

Glasnost was
something else introduced by Gorbachev. This basically offered people more freedoms,
which included speech. The media was less controlled and many political prisoners were
set free.