Uncommon Knowledge: Part 2: Stephen Kotkin discusses Stalin’s consolidation of power

The first paragraph introduces the interview with Stephen Kotkin, an expert on Joseph Stalin, by Peter Robinson, a professor of history at Princeton. It delves into the power dynamics following Lenin's incapacitation and eventual death, highlighting Stalin's strategic moves to consolidate his authority as the General Secretary of the Communist Party. Despite opposition from other party members, Stalin managed to recruit secret police officials to his side and neutralize potential rivals. The summary also touches on Lenin's health issues, his isolation from Moscow, and the uncertainty surrounding his succession.

This paragraph discusses the emergence of two documents attributed to Lenin, which were meant to influence the power struggle within the party. The first document, which had minimal impact, was followed by the more significant 'Lenin's Testament,' allegedly dictating the removal of Stalin from his position as General Secretary. The document was handed to Zinoviev by Lenin's wife, Krupskaya, but instead of acting on it immediately, Zinoviev devised a plan to insert himself into the Secretariat alongside Stalin. The paragraph also questions the authenticity of the documents and the motives behind their release.

The focus shifts to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the alleged dictations from Lenin and the inconsistencies in the available documents. It is noted that there is no original stenographic record of Lenin's supposed dictation, and the content of the typescript changes over time. The paragraph also describes Lenin's deteriorating health and the doctors' recommendations for him to reduce his workload, which was overseen by Stalin. The narrative hints at the growing unease among Lenin's close colleagues about Stalin's accumulation of power and the lack of transparency in his decision-making.

The fourth paragraph examines Stalin's rise to power and the role of ideology in his governance. It contrasts the old belief that Stalin acted solely to consolidate power with the new understanding that he was a conviction politician who genuinely believed in communism. The summary points out that behind closed doors, Soviet leaders discussed Marxist concepts, indicating their commitment to communist ideology. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding Stalin's actions within the context of his beliefs and the historical landscape of the Soviet Union.

This paragraph explores the perceptions of Stalin by prominent world leaders, such as Winston Churchill and Harry Truman, who found him likable despite his underlying malevolent nature. It discusses Stalin's charisma and his ability to charm even the most astute political figures. However, it also acknowledges his darker side, which included ordering torture and executing millions in the name of an 'insane ideology.' The summary concludes that while Stalin's power accumulation was awe-inspiring, his actions were ultimately criminal and evil.

The final paragraph addresses the Cold War, refuting the idea that it was a misunderstanding and asserting that it was a necessary struggle to contain the Soviet menace. It discusses the importance of understanding Stalin within the context of Russian history and the communist ideology. The summary also touches on the debate about the role of the 'great man' in history, with the speaker advocating for the significance of individual agency within the larger historical landscape. The paragraph concludes with a call for a more nuanced understanding of historical figures like Stalin, acknowledging both their influence and the structural forces at play.