How did Brezhnev's leadership of the Soviet Union differ from that of Khrushchev?

Brezhnev was much keener to protect the priviledges of the Nomemclature than reforming the country. Khrushchev had reformed the Soviet Union because he wanted it to have a better image abroad. He was destituted by the Nomemclature who feared about their priviledges and blamed him for failing in Cuba in his foreign policy.

Brezhnev refused to give more individual liberties or to introduce any major change in the USSR, unlike someone like Gorbachev.

Brezhnev's leadership of the Soviet Union differed from that of Khrushchev in several key ways. While Khrushchev was known for his policy of de-Stalinization and attempts to reform and modernize the Soviet system through initiatives such as the Virgin Lands Campaign and the Thaw period, Brezhnev pursued a policy of stability and continuity. Brezhnev focused on maintaining the status quo and consolidating the power of the Communist Party.

Additionally, Khrushchev's leadership style was characterized by his outspokenness and willingness to challenge established norms within the Soviet leadership. He famously criticized Stalin's cult of personality and advocated for a more open and flexible approach to governance. In contrast, Brezhnev was more conservative and cautious, preferring to avoid confrontation and maintain the existing power structures within the Soviet hierarchy.

Economically, Khrushchev's policies aimed to increase agricultural productivity and promote consumer goods production, while Brezhnev's leadership saw a period of stagnation known as the "Era of Stagnation," characterized by economic inefficiency, bureaucratic inertia, and a lack of innovation.

In terms of foreign policy, Khrushchev's tenure was marked by confrontations with the West, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the construction of the Berlin Wall. Brezhnev, on the other hand, pursued a policy of détente with the United States and Western Europe, seeking to reduce tensions and improve relations through arms control agreements and diplomatic initiatives such as the Helsinki Accords.

Overall, while both Khrushchev and Brezhnev played significant roles in shaping the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, their leadership styles, policies, and approaches to governance differed substantially, reflecting the evolving priorities and challenges facing the Soviet state.