Khrushchev rose to the top of the Soviet government as a result of a difficult process and put his life at risk in it. On the other hand, Gorbachev was selected and became the head of government very widely accepted by the public opinion and resulting in a very charismatic leader, often portrayed week to some and gained approach with the West.
Khrushchev as well as Gorbacho believed in Soviet ideology, Soviet beliefs and wanted to democratize and liberalize the society in the Soviet Union, but Khrushchev simultaneously destroyed any sign of opposition movements. Mikhail Gorbachov, on the other hand, gave freedom to the opposition.
Nikita Khrushchev and Mikhail Gorbachev both pursued reformist policies during their respective periods as head of state. Although their policies were very different in substance, the political problems they faced in prosecuting reform were quite common.
Both Nikita and Mikhail were clearly dependent for their position and for the implementation of their policies on a party-state apparat whose interests lay in opposing radical reform and in constraining the leader's power. As a result, both leaders were in a particularly weak position from which to seek, pursue reformist policies. Both of them, as modern leaders, saw change was inevitable in order for the Soviet Union to keep growing. These reforms were targeting crucial aspects of political life and government structure. They had a vision for the future.
