What were the major political changes during Brezhnev's leadership?

Under Brezhnev's leadership, the Soviet Union saw increased centralisation of power, political stagnation, and a focus on military-industrial complex.

Leonid Brezhnev, who led the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982, ushered in an era of political stagnation and increased centralisation of power. He reversed many of the liberal reforms of his predecessor, Nikita Khrushchev, and re-established the dominance of the Communist Party. Brezhnev's rule was characterised by a return to the authoritarianism of the Stalin era, albeit without the mass purges and terror. He consolidated his power by promoting loyalists to key positions within the party and the government.

Brezhnev's leadership also saw a significant shift in economic policy. He prioritised the military-industrial complex, leading to a massive build-up of the Soviet armed forces. This focus on military might came at the expense of consumer goods and services, leading to a decline in living standards for the average Soviet citizen. The economy became increasingly stagnant, with little innovation or growth.

In terms of foreign policy, Brezhnev pursued a policy of détente with the West, seeking to ease Cold War tensions. However, he also intervened militarily in other socialist countries to maintain Soviet control, most notably in Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Afghanistan in 1979. These actions were justified under the Brezhnev Doctrine, which asserted the right of the Soviet Union to intervene in the affairs of other socialist countries to protect socialism.

Brezhnev's leadership also saw a crackdown on dissent. The KGB, the Soviet secret police, was given increased powers to suppress political opposition. Many dissidents were imprisoned or exiled, and freedom of speech and the press were severely curtailed. This repression, combined with economic stagnation, led to widespread disillusionment and cynicism among the Soviet populace.

In summary, Brezhnev's leadership marked a period of political stagnation and increased centralisation of power in the Soviet Union. His focus on the military-industrial complex and repression of dissent led to economic decline and widespread disillusionment among the Soviet people.