Mikhail was worried about who would take over after the death of two former leaders in office, had died in a year. Soon after Mikhail would rise to office mainly because he was supported by many youth in Russia. He was also the youngest ruler at age 54. Mikhail had plans of reforming the Soviet Union. Not major changes but if would differ from past leaders such as Joseph Stalin. The past leader encouraged totalitarianism which didn't allow the people to voice there opinions and put the Government in full control.
Mikhail thought it might be better if the people could voice there opinions so he brought up a policy called glasnost. This way the Government could take advice from the people on ways to improve the country. He also had another policy called perestroika which is Economic Restructure.
With these two policy Communism quickly feel to its knees because for once the people of Russia had a voice thus taking much power from the government. This also led to the defeat of the Soviet Union