I think that's a myth, what killed it was Gorbachev's reforms
China today has plenty of western culture, but the CCP is still in power
North Korea has one of the least personally free societies on earth, but the Kims are still in power
What killed the USSR was Gorbachev voluntarily giving up the CPSU's political monopoly
Well maybe the soviets had a conscious.. Better to let a terminal creature die with at least some respect then to to prolong.
With the entire Eastern block giving up, the soviets either had to get on board, start a massive war, or adapt.
People wanted self determination . Maybe some food on the shelves .
The Baltics wanted out..
Ukraine I would give a better than 50% odds as well.
Eastern Europe was leaving..
Gorbachev honestly should have been quicker and more aggressive at reform, opening up, the truth, massive apologies, fighting corruption and graft.
Totalitarianism always ends eventually.