Mikhail Gorbachev, Father of Perestroika, turns 77.
Mikhail Gorbachev (1931), Soviet statesman, former Head of the Soviet Union (Soviet Secretary General from 1985-91), and 1990 Nobel Peace Prize for ending Cold War and improving relations with the U.S.
Born: March 2, 1931, Privolnoye, USSR.
Gorbachev is regarded in the Western world for his achievement in ending the Cold War and supporting the reunification of Germany, along with improving relations with the USA. Aside from his 1990 Nobel Peace Prize, he is also a recipient of other international awards, and honorary memberships.
He failed to gain substantial support in the 1996 presidential elections in Russia, as Boris Yeltsin was elected for a second presidential term. Gorbachev founded the Social Democratic Party of Russia in 2001, however, two years later, resigned from party leadership.
With the new era of Russian capitalism his views and experience seemed out of place. Gorbachev turned to giving lectures and speeches internationally and supporting humanitarian causes. He also went into other business ventures. His Gorbachev Foundation manages his international transactions.
His wife Raiza Gorbachev died of Leukaemia, September 1999
He currently resides in Moscow, Russia.
