Mikhail Gorbachev’s “restructuring” and “openness” rested on far reaching goals. One year before the 1988 Conference, Gorbachev
was talking of the need for “a new world economic order,” expanded cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, and a “comprehensive system of security... [and] a system of universal law and order ensuring the primacy of international law in politics.”

He also suggested the establishment of a “world consultative council under the UN” made up of leading scientists, intellectuals, spiritual figures, the heads of international organizations, and key politicians. In short, he desired a system of world management, a dream Mr. Gorbachev has reiterated for years.

The following are quotes taken from his reports and speeches delivered at the 19th Conference, from the Embassy of the USSR publication, Documents and Materials.

“The country’s spiritual life has become more diverse, more interesting, and richer. Many ideas of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin previously treated one-sidedly, or totally hushed up, are being rethought. The creative nature of scientific and humane socialism is being revived in the struggle against dogmatism.” (p.5)

“What we need is a genuine advancement of the social sciences on a Marxist-Leninist philosophy and methodological footing.” (p.27)

“Perestroika in the USSR has become a factor of global significance. The cardinal changes in our own home have called for new approaches to international affairs as well.” (p.30)

“The CPSU [Communist Party of the Soviet Union] regards itself as an inalienable part of the world communist movement, which is at present conducting a difficult quest of the way forward to a new stage in its historical development. And we will - on the basis of absolutely equal rights and respect - take an active part in this quest. There is a growing international potential in our new relations with numerous civic forces representing world science and culture, with political parties of a different ideological orientation, above all with Socialists, Social-Democrats, Labour Party members, and other Left circles and movements” (p.37)

“...the role played by the Young Communist League today is of immense importance... Today, as before, the main thing in its activity is to prepare the youth for becoming communists, for pursuing actively the policy of the Communist Party.” (p.71)

“But I wish to tell the delegates at this Conference and the people at large the main thing: the tasks of perestroika cannot be accomplished without the guiding activity of the Party, without giving effect to its political course. Without all this perestroika will be doomed politically, ideologically and organisationally.” (p.75)

“We must work firmly and steadily to revive the Leninist principles in guiding the Party’s affairs.” (p.85)

“I want to say categorically, here at the Conference, that we shall continue to develop all truly socialist values, and firmly eliminate everything that distorts revolutionary theory and the image of socialism.” (p.90)

“We see socialism as a system of the true equality of all nations and nationalities... in which internationalism and the fraternity of nations rule supreme.” (p.92)

“We are convinced in the vitality of the Marxist-Leninist teaching which as scientifically substantiated the possibility of building a society of social justice and a civilization of free and equal people.... Our aims are more democracy [socialist/communist, not the American kind], more socialism...” (p.93)

“Every Communist must become a fighter for perestroika, for the revolutionary renewal of society. Let that be the chief mandate of our Conference.” (p.108)