asserting themselves, although not without difficulties, sometimes major difficulties . Profound changes are also taking place in the Soviet Union. Our perestroika, which began five years ago, has assumed an irreversible character. At the same time, it has revealed such fundamental contradictions in society, accumulated over decades, that all of its structures, both horizontal and vertical, have begun to experience tremendous strains. It is now obvious that these structures cannot be left untouched since they have become a hindrance to the renewal of society and are undermining the foundations of its progress and stability. The complexity of the problems that we have to solve at home is not making us want to fence ourselves off from the rest of the world. One of the imperatives of perestroika is to overcome the psychology of autarky, of self-isolation and exclusiveness, and to create an open society. The changes taking place in the world and in our country are of an objective nature and historically conditioned. No one can halt them or slow them down. But any change also has a potential for instability. That is why we are seeking to find the optimum combination of renewal and stability. Stability is not synonymous with ossification of old structures. What has outlived its time must be sent to the scrap-heap of history, but in a way that does not harm the emergence of the new. In this context, now more than ever, what is needed in relations between States are confidence and mutual respect, CD/PV.560 3 (Mr, Batsanov. USSR) and, in politics, a transition from passive mutual understanding to active interaction and businesslike partnership with a view to maintaining dynamic stability under rapidly changing conditions. Another important reason for ensuring stability is that the world today 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the current state of the Soviet Union and the need for reform, highlighting the challenges of balancing renewal with stability. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the need for confidence and respect between states. The text does not specifically mention economic development, natural resources, industry, transport, international trade, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, or culture. It also does not discuss agriculture, forestry, or fishing. However, the text does touch on the theme of science and technology in the context of perestroika and the need to overcome the psychology of autarky. Therefore, it is likely that the text falls under the category of politics and international relations, which is not explicitly listed.

**Category**
Politics and International Relations