Gorbachev and ethnic coexistence

Abstract Ethnic grievances are expressed in a variety of modes throughout the Soviet Union. From the perspective of Moscow, the most severe long‐term challenge to the cohesion of the Soviet Union emanates from the southern, predominantly Moslem‐populated, republics. The Soviet leadership is compelled to address a number of dilemmas as it attempts to provide coherence and substance to the concept of perestroika. There appear to be no fail‐safe solutions.