Perestroika was Gorbachev's attempt to reform the Soviet system and address its economic problems. The biggest resistance came from party elites who benefited from the existing system. The military-industrial complex also opposed reforms that might divert resources away from them. Gorbachev initially tried accelerating economic growth through the existing system but this had little effect. He faced ongoing economic problems like food shortages and higher prices. Gorbachev then introduced political reforms to increase participation and accountability.

1. Perestroika