1. why did gorbachev pursue glasnost and perestroika reforms? ~the soviet economy could not keep up with the arms race. ~the united states demonstrated that it had greater nuclear capacity. ~russian revolutionaries staged a violent uprising to overthrow the soviet government.

The correct answer is A) the Soviet economy could not keep up with the arms race.

Gorbachev pursued Glasnost and Perestroika reforms because the Soviet economy could not keep up with the arms race.

There were other important reasons that made Gorbachev establish Glasnost and Perestroika reforms. The economic situation was no good in the Soviet Union. The nation had the risk of rebellions and uprisings due to the inadequate living standards of the citizens.  So with Perestroika, Gorbachev authorized reforms to the economy that benefited international trade and foreign investment. With Glasnost, Gorcahved allowed freedom of speech, transparency and the respect of human rights.  

He broadened the authority of papacy.