Is Alexander Nikolaevich Yakovlev A-List?
No — Alexander Nikolaevich Yakovlev is currently ranked D tier — a minor public figure with limited fame outside a small audience.
Reached A-list in 1987
Architect of Glasnost
Lost A-list status in 1991
Dropped to B tier — End of USSR
Ranking Timeline
Ambassador to Canada
Appointed as Soviet ambassador to Canada; opportunity to connect with reformers.
Adviser to Gorbachev
Key advisor role boosts influence and visibility.
Architect of Glasnost
Yakovlev designs the Glasnost policy, making him famous worldwide.
End of USSR
The USSR collapses, but Yakovlev remains influential. He leverages his past connections to solidify his position.
Critic of Putin
His outspoken criticism of Putin and his policies limits his influence and power.
Death
Yakovlev dies, his legacy as a reformer fades in Russia.
Remembered as Glasnost Architect
He is mainly remembered for his role in Glasnost and the collapse of the Soviet Union, but his influence is limited in modern Russia.
Last updated: February 25, 2026