Which argument is made regarding Gorbachev's leadership?

The argument regarding Gorbachev's leadership that he maintained loyalty to the Communist Party is accurate, as it highlights a significant aspect of his tenure as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev introduced reforms such as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which sought to modernize and democratize the Soviet system while still operating within the framework of the Communist Party. His loyalty to the party was evident in his initial attempts to reform it from within rather than seek a complete abolition of communist principles. This position ultimately shaped his policies and the direction of the USSR during a transformative period, showcasing his complex relationship with the ideology he was ostensibly part of.

In contrast, the other arguments do not fully encapsulate Gorbachev's approach or the context of his leadership. While he provided more freedoms than his predecessors, it wasn't a full embrace of democracy as seen in Western contexts, and rather, he pursued a unique path that sought to balance both reform and party loyalty. He did not explicitly oppose Communism, as he worked towards a version of socialism reform, and his influence on the populace was mixed; while he was popular among some, he faced significant resistance and criticism from