Podcast Summary: Devenir Staline 3/5 : La conquête du pouvoir
Le Cours de l'histoire
Host: France Culture
Episode Title: Devenir Staline 3/5 : La conquête du pouvoir
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Duration: 9h - 10h, Monday to Friday
Introduction: Stalin's Ambition and Early Political Engagement
The episode opens with Ronald Gregor, a historian from SUNY, introducing the focus on Joseph Stalin's early ambitions and his strategic maneuvers to ascend within the Soviet political hierarchy.
"Le pouvoir soviétique et la route du socialisme, la véritable route. C'est pourquoi l'est invincible."
— Ronald Gregor [02:50]
Gregor emphasizes Stalin's unwavering commitment to socialist ideology as a cornerstone of his political strategy, portraying socialism as an invincible path that bolsters Soviet power.
Stalin's Initial Political Moves and International Interactions
Thierry Robin discusses Stalin's early international endeavors, highlighting a significant trip to Finland that marked a pivotal moment in Stalin's political career.
"Went to Finland and there there was a meeting. And that's the first time he was unimpressed by the..."
— Thierry Robin [01:28]
This segment underscores Stalin's first notable international foray, illustrating his initial impressions and the foundations of his diplomatic strategies.
Consolidation of Power Within the Soviet Regime
Alexei Yurchak delves into the mechanisms Stalin employed to consolidate his power, including the manipulation of party structures and the establishment of a new regime.
"Le regime contrôlait le nouveau regime..."
— Ronald Gregor [06:15]
The discussion highlights Stalin's adeptness at controlling and reshaping the Soviet regime to eliminate opposition and centralize authority.
Key Meetings and Strategic Alliances
The podcast recounts crucial meetings that Stalin orchestrated to secure his position, particularly focusing on a significant gathering in July 1921.
"Il y a une réunion sur sa demande. Il veut son triomphe. Donc vous avez un public prolétarien."
— Lasha Bakhadze [14:14]
Lasha Bakhadze describes how Stalin's strategic meetings with proletarian audiences were instrumental in legitimizing his leadership and rallying support among the working class.
The Impact of Lenin's Death on Stalin's Ascendancy
Francoise Thom explores the ramifications of Vladimir Lenin's death on the political landscape of the Soviet Union and Stalin's subsequent rise to power.
"Lorsque Lénine est mort, il y a eu un grand choc dans le pays..."
— Francoise Thom [43:18]
Thom explains that Lenin's passing created a power vacuum, which Stalin adeptly filled by positioning himself as a pragmatic and capable leader, earning favor within the party and among the populace.
Propaganda and the Cult of Personality
The episode examines Stalin's use of propaganda to cultivate a cult of personality, drawing parallels with Leninism and emphasizing the symbolic significance of maintaining Lenin's preserved image.
"Le corps de Lénine... est devenu l'expression matérielle du léninisme."
— Francoise Thom [47:04]
Thom highlights how Stalin leveraged Lenin's legacy to legitimize his own rule, ensuring that the visual and symbolic aspects of Leninism continued to support the Soviet regime's ideology.
Repression and the Role of the Secret Police
Ronald Gregor touches upon the role of the MGB (Ministry of State Security) and other security apparatus in Stalin's consolidation of power.
"MGB Kajibi etc."
— Ronald Gregor [17:36]
This brief mention underscores the mechanisms of repression that Stalin employed to eliminate dissent and maintain his authoritative control over the Soviet state.
Legacy and the Foundation of Stalinism
The episode concludes by reflecting on Stalin's lasting impact on the Soviet Union and the establishment of Stalinism as a distinct phase within communist governance.
"Constantion... Opposed to the secretaire Général..."
— Ronald Gregor [41:10]
Gregor discusses how Stalin's policies and leadership style differentiated his rule from previous communist leaders, setting the stage for the unique characteristics of Stalinism.
Notable Contributors
The episode features insights from a panel of experts and contributors, including:
- Lasha Bakhadze
- Toni Que Gordadze
- Nino Kirtadze
- Jean Jacques
- Francoise Thom
- Alexei Yurchak
- Ronald Gregor
- Thierry Robin
Their collective expertise provides a multifaceted examination of Stalin's rise to power, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and personal dynamics that facilitated his dominance.
Conclusion
Devenir Staline 3/5 : La conquête du pouvoir offers an in-depth exploration of Joseph Stalin's strategic ascent within the Soviet Union, dissecting his political maneuvers, relationships with contemporaries, and the broader socio-political factors that enabled his dominance. Through expert analyses and poignant quotes, the episode paints a detailed portrait of a complex leader whose legacy continues to shape historical discourse.
Listen to all episodes without limit at Radio France.