The Archives
“He’s articulate as hell and incredibly well versed,” Newsweek wrote in 1987 of Mikhail Gorbachev, who died on August 30 at 91. The last leader of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev is credited with helping to end the Cold War, receiving the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Over his years in power, he appeared on the cover of Newsweek more than a dozen times. In an exclusive interview in 1988, speaking of Soviet-u.s. relations, Gorbachev said: “We are different, and will remain so…but we have a common responsibility, especially our two great powers, and our every action must measure up to that responsibility”—words that still ring true today.