Eduard Shevardnadze

Mikhail Gorbachev appointed Shevardnadze as Soviet Foreign Minister. Shevardnadze played a key role in shaping the 'New Thinking' foreign policy, which emphasized de-escalation of the Cold War, arms reduction agreements, and improved relations with the West.

Shevardnadze, as Soviet Foreign Minister, signed the INF Treaty with U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz. The treaty eliminated an entire class of nuclear missiles (500-5,500 km range) from Europe, marking a major step in ending the Cold War.

Shevardnadze resigned as Soviet Foreign Minister, warning of an impending dictatorship under Gorbachev. His resignation was a dramatic protest against the conservative backlash and the slow pace of reforms, highlighting the internal crisis of the Soviet Union.

After the ouster of President Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Shevardnadze returned to Georgia and was elected Chairman of the Parliament, effectively becoming the head of state. He was tasked with stabilizing the country amid civil war and economic collapse.

Shevardnadze survived a car bomb assassination attempt in Tbilisi. The attack, which killed several people, was widely attributed to opponents of his policies. It underscored the violent political struggles in post-Soviet Georgia.

Shevardnadze was forced to resign as President of Georgia following the Rose Revolution, a peaceful protest against disputed parliamentary elections. The revolution, led by Mikheil Saakashvili, ended Shevardnadze's rule and ushered in a new pro-Western government.