Empire Podcast Episode 256: "Stalin & 8 Days That Changed The World (Ep 1)"

Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: William Dalrymple & Anita Anand
Series Focus: The Rise and Fall of Empires, with a specific focus on pivotal historical events and figures shaping world history.

Introduction to the Series

In the premiere episode of their new series, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve into the intricate dynamics of imperial power struggles, drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary geopolitical tensions.

Key Themes:

• The resurgence of imperial rhetoric in modern politics.
• Historical precedents informing current global affairs.
• The lasting impact of empires on today's world order.

Imperialism in Modern Context

Dalrymple and Anand initiate the discussion by highlighting the alarming similarities between past imperial maneuvers and current political ambitions, particularly referencing Donald Trump's recent statements on territorial expansion.

• Trump’s Expansionist Ambitions:
  • Anita Anand [03:11]: "Donald Trump started talking about conquering places all over again. So either we'd do a series where we'd look at all the places that Donald Trump wants to add to his property portfolio."
  • Territories Mentioned: Greenland, Panama, Gaza, and Canada.

The hosts express concern over the revival of imperialist sentiments, emphasizing that such ambitions harken back to a bygone era yet manifest ominously in today's political landscape.

Historical Parallels: Yalta Conference and Contemporary Russia

The episode transitions into a discussion on the Yalta Conference of 1945, drawing parallels with Russia's current actions in Ukraine and other regions.

• Yalta Conference Context:

  • William Dalrymple [02:21]: "The last time you had this kind of situation where you had men around a map with pens arguing about who should have what was just before VE Day at the Great Conference of Yalta in 1945."

• Modern Russia's Expansionism:

  • Anita Anand [06:02]: "Putin has talked about spheres of safety and influence and buffer zones and pushing out against Western influences."
  • Current Actions: Invasions of Georgia (2008), annexation of Crimea (2014), and renewed aggression in Ukraine (2022 onwards).

The hosts describe how Russia's actions mirror those of historical empires, underlining the cyclical nature of power struggles.

Stalin's Origin Story: From Humble Beginnings to Man of Steel

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unraveling the complex persona of Joseph Stalin, providing a deep dive into his early life, personal struggles, and rise to power.

• Early Life and Family:

  • Anita Anand [19:28]: "His real name was Dzugashvili Joseph Visarinovich Dzugashvili. He came from humble beginnings in Gorey, Georgia."
  • Family Struggles: Father was a struggling cobbler whose business declined, leading to domestic violence.
  • Childhood Trauma: Stalin faced physical abuse, including a severe injury from a horse at age 12, resulting in a lifelong disability.

• Educational Journey and Radicalization:

  • Anita Anand [20:25]: "He attends the Tiflis Theological Seminary on a scholarship but gradually loses interest, becoming obsessed with Marxist ideology and revolutionary literature."
  • Conversion to Marxism: Influenced by proto-revolutionary writers, Stalin adopts the name "Koba" and immerses himself in Bolshevik activities.

• Rise Through the Ranks:

  • William Dalrymple [24:49]: "He starts raising funds for the Bolsheviks and orchestrates daring heists, such as the 1907 State Bank robbery in Tiflis."
  • Notable Heists: The robbery of the State Bank's cashier carriages, symbolizing Stalin's early strategic prowess and ruthlessness.

• Personal Life and Character Flaws:

  • Anita Anand [25:54]: "Stalin's personal relationships were fraught with tragedy and cruelty, including tumultuous marriages and a strained relationship with his son."
  • Purges and Ruthlessness:
    • William Dalrymple [33:21]: "The Central Purge is estimated to have caused 700,000 to 1.2 million deaths, with no accurate final estimates."

Stalin's transformation from a troubled youth into a fearsome dictator is depicted as a combination of personal trauma, ideological fervor, and innate brutality.

Yalta Conference: Shaping the Post-War World

The hosts outline the significance of the Yalta Conference in redrawing global power structures and how its legacy continues to influence contemporary geopolitics.

• Setting and Historical Significance:

  • Anita Anand [12:22]: "Yalta was bombed flat by Nazis, symbolizing the devastation that preceded the Big Three's deliberations."
  • Participants: Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin—symbolizing the major Allied powers shaping the post-war order.

• Controversial Decisions and Legacy:

  • Balance of Power: The Soviet Union's dominance in Eastern Europe was solidified during this conference, setting the stage for the Cold War.
  • Absence of Britain at the Negotiation Table: Highlighting Britain's diminished influence compared to the other powers.

Stalin's Legacy and Modern Implications

Dalrymple and Anand conclude the episode by reflecting on how Stalin's legacy influences current Russian policies and global power dynamics.

• Influence on Contemporary Leaders:

  • Anita Anand [34:37]: "Putin looks up to Stalin for his strength and ability to suppress dissent, seeking to replicate aspects of his rule."

• Ongoing Imperial Ambitions:

  • William Dalrymple [10:38]: "Hostilities between India and Pakistan, with China’s potential involvement, echo historical power struggles and spheres of influence."

The discussion underscores the persistent relevance of imperialistic strategies and leadership styles that prioritize power and control over collaborative global governance.

Notable Quotes

• Anita Anand [08:17]: "There's just a sickening familiarity about it."
• William Dalrymple [06:07]: "This cadaverous history that just won't go away."
• Anita Anand [25:51]: "His real name was Dzugashvili Joseph Visarinovich Dzugashvili."

Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Episodes

Dalrymple and Anand hint at future episodes exploring the origin stories of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, promising a comprehensive examination of the Big Three's roles in shaping the modern world.

• Anita Anand [34:43]: "Join us in the next episode when we will bring to you the origin story of the other two thirds of the big three, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Spencer Churchill."

Recommended Further Reading

The hosts recommend several books that provide deeper insights into the topics discussed:

• Sergei Plokhis: The Price of Peace
• Catherine Grace Katz: Daughters of Yalta
• Jas Milton: Checkmate in Berlin
• Diana Preston: Churchill, Rosefield and Stalin, Eight Days that Changed the World
• Robert Service: Stalin
• Simon Sebag Montefiore: Stalin

Final Thoughts

Episode 256 of "Empire" skillfully intertwines historical analysis with contemporary relevance, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how past empires and their leaders continue to shape today's geopolitical landscape. Through engaging storytelling and insightful commentary, Dalrymple and Anand set the stage for an enlightening series that promises to unravel the complexities of imperial power dynamics.