Alexander Dubcek is most widely known for his experimentation with "
socialism with a human face" that he employed as the leader of
Czechoslovakia.
Alexander Dubcek came into power in Czechoslovakia in 1968 when communist leaders forced out the Stalinist First Secretary. He promised reforms, including a less centralized economy, relaxation of censorship, and a small role for other parties.
He would not be pushed to withdraw from the Soviet bloc, but ideas threatening to Soviet control found a voice during the “Prague Springtime” and Soviet troops were sent in.
Dubcek disappeared in 1969 until 1988, after Gorbachev’s failures paralleled his.