The problem the world faces today is that only one-third of the world's population lives in decent circumstances, while half the population of the world lives on one or two dollars a day. And even as we have this poverty and backwardness, we are facing a global environmental crisis. We need developmental models that will take into account the specific and unique position of each country and at the same time will address the environmental crisis.
Mikhail GorbachevAn awareness of the need for some kind of global government is gaining ground, one in which all members of the world community would take part.
Mikhail GorbachevThe United States found dozens of billions of dollars for military action in Iraq, so it should certainly be able to find a few billions of dollars to get rid of weapons of mass destruction. I'll assume that since the most powerful nation - the United States - has promised to pay for much of this, then its word will be kept. If it isn't, I don't think we can have a true partnership.
Mikhail GorbachevPeople, human beings with all their creative diversity, are the makers of history.
Mikhail GorbachevThe market is not an invention of capitalism. It has existed for centuries. It is an invention of civilization.
Mikhail GorbachevThe social model of the Bolsheviks failed, as will any model that denies individual rights, intellectual freedom, and freedom of competing political parties. Without these freedoms and rights, there is no motivation for people to work. Such a system cannot be sustained, especially in light of the technological revolution of the information era.
Mikhail Gorbachev