Mikhail Gorbachev

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the life and legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev.

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week’s show:

• Former leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev has died. We reflected on the slew of essays in U.S. publications remembering Gorbachev through a mostly positive light. Neil mentioned Saturday Night Live’s frequent send-ups of Gorbachev.

In our regular closing feature, What’s Making History:

• Natalia discussed Sarah Mervosh’s New York Times article, “The Pandemic Erased Two Decades of Progress in Math and Reading,” which she also discussed on KCRW.
• Neil commented on Katrin Bennhold’s New York Times article, “In Finland, a Partying Prime Minister Draws Tuts, and Cheers.”
• Niki recommended Bonnie Garmus’ novel Lessons in Chemistry.