Page "History of the Soviet Union (1982–1991)" Paragraph 37

But by using structural reforms to widen opportunities for leaders and popular movements in the union republics to gain influence, Gorbachev also made it possible for nationalist, orthodox communist, and populist forces to oppose his attempts to liberalize and revitalize Soviet communism.

Although some of the new movements aspired to replace the Soviet system altogether with a liberal democratic one, others demanded independence for the national republics.

Still others insisted on the restoration of the old Soviet ways.

Ultimately, Gorbachev could not forge a compromise among these forces and the consequence was the dissolution of the Soviet Union.