The operational code of Mikhail Gorbachev: A case study in decision-making

This study analyzes Mikhail Gorbachev's decision-making from 1985 to 1991 and draws conclusions about his role in the ending of the Cold War. The study examines theoretical approaches to the analysis of foreign policy decision-making and points out limitations of macro-level theories in explaining foreign policy outcomes. Using the "operational code" developed by Alexander George, Mikhail Gorbachev's political belief system is reconstructed by drawing upon his collected speeches, writings, and public statements and organizing them according to the George "ten questions" framework. The study concludes that the Soviet leader's operational code imposed cognitive limitations upon his decision-making and led to the policies which ended the Cold War.