Which policy initiated by Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed to increase freedom of speech and press in the Soviet Union?

The correct answer is Glasnost, which was a critical policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s. This policy specifically aimed at increasing transparency and openness in the Soviet government and society, allowing for greater freedom of expression, speech, and press. Glasnost encouraged citizens to speak out about problems in their lives and to engage in public debate about political and social issues, which was a significant departure from the stringent censorship and control of information that had characterized earlier Soviet leadership.

Glasnost was essential for addressing and reforming various societal issues, as it fostered dialogue and criticism of the government, ultimately contributing to significant political changes within the Soviet Union.

While Perestroika also introduced changes to the economy and governance, it did not focus directly on freedom of speech and press. The Monroe Doctrine and Detente pertain to U.S. foreign policy and interactions with other nations, particularly in the Americas and during the Cold War era, making them unrelated to the concepts of communication and media freedom within the Soviet context.