Mikail Gorbachev was the leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991. He led reforms to open up and democratize the Soviet political and economic systems through policies of glasnost and perestroika. This resulted in greater political openness, nuclear disarmament agreements with the United States, and the ultimate collapse and dissolution of the Soviet Union. After leaving politics, Gorbachev founded several non-profit organizations focused on political research, sustainability, and human rights.