Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, one of the most influential figures in the history of the Cold War, died on August 30th, 2022 at the age of 91. As the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the last leader of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev sought to implement a new policies of openness and liberalization. Known as perestroika and glasnost, these policies dramatically altered the domestic political and economic system of the Soviet Union. His diplomatic efforts also reshaped Cold War geopolitics and international relations overall. His reforms culminated in the signing of START streaty with the United States in 1991, which dramatically reduced the arms race between the two superpowers, thus ending the Cold War. Gorbachev iconically ended his tenure as First Secretary of the Communist Party in 1991, leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He retired from active politics in 1993, when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his instrumental role in ending the Cold War. In his later years, he spoke out on issues of human rights and freedom, criticizing the rise of authoritarianism in Russia and abroad. Gorbachev is survived by his wife Raisa, who passed away in 1999, as well as two daughters, Olga and Irina.