Le Cours de l'histoire: Episode Summary
Title: Devenir Staline 4/5 : Les mots qui tuent
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host: France Culture

Introduction: Understanding Stalin through Language

In this episode of Le Cours de l'histoire, France Culture delves into the intricate relationship between Joseph Stalin's rhetoric and his consolidation of power. Titled Devenir Staline 4/5 : Les mots qui tuent ("Becoming Stalin 4/5: The Words That Kill"), the discussion centers on how Stalin's use of language served as a tool for control, propaganda, and instilling fear within the Soviet Union.

Stalin's Discourse and Central Planning

Franz Kiltier opens the discussion by analyzing Stalin's speeches and public addresses, highlighting how language was meticulously crafted to promote the ideals of the Communist Party and justify his policies. He states:

"Le discours de Stalin visait à instaurer une parité d'autorité entre le peuple et le Parti, créant ainsi un transect où la terreur devenait un outil central du pouvoir."
(Franz Kiltier, 00:01)

Kiltier further explains Stalin's focus on rapid industrialization and central planning, emphasizing sectors such as electrification, construction, and resource management. These initiatives were frequently mentioned in Stalin's rhetoric to showcase progress and unite the populace under a common national purpose.

The Mechanisms of Terror: Purges and Repression

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the infamous Great Terror, during which Stalin orchestrated widespread purges to eliminate perceived threats to his regime. Kiltier outlines the various categories of victims targeted, including former party members, intellectuals, and ethnic minorities. He notes:

"La grande terreur a visé non seulement les membres du parti mais également ceux considérés comme ennemis sociaux ou ethniques, déportés ou exécutés sans procès équitable."
(Franz Kiltier, 33:42)

The discussion underscores how language was employed to dehumanize and vilify individuals, making it easier to justify their elimination. Terms like "saboteur" and "élément réactionnaire" became commonplace in Stalin's propaganda, painting dissenters as threats to the socialist state.

Personal Narratives and Victims' Stories

The episode incorporates testimonies and names of individuals who fell victim to Stalin's purges. Malsa and Camarade Chacuvrier contribute by listing names such as Vasilievna Javadov and Galina Ivanovna, personalizing the scale of repression. For instance:

"Wanda Swastovska, Elena Posnik, Ivan Pavlovich—ces noms représentent tant de vies brisées par la répression massive de l'époque."
(Camarade Chacuvrier, 46:10)

These personal stories serve to humanize the abstract policies discussed earlier, illustrating the profound human cost of Stalin's authoritarian rule.

The Role of Propaganda and Cultural Control

Kiltier transitions to examining how Stalin's regime controlled cultural expressions to maintain his image and suppress dissent. He references the use of cinema and literature as tools for propaganda:

"Le cinéma soviétique, sous la direction de Grigori Alexandrov, était un moyen puissant de diffuser l'idéologie et de promouvoir la vie idéalisée sous le régime de Stalin."
(Franz Kiltier, 26:54)

This control extended to the arts, where only works that aligned with state ideology were permitted, stifling creativity and fostering a culture of conformity.

Language as a Tool of Power and Control

Central to the episode is the concept of "les mots qui tuent" ("the words that kill"), encapsulating how language was weaponized by Stalin to manipulate public perception and instill fear. Kiltier emphasizes:

"Les mots de Stalin n'étaient pas simplement des discours, mais des armes verbales conçues pour façonner la réalité et légitimer la terreur."
(Franz Kiltier, 14:35)

This manipulation of language created an environment where dissent was not only dangerous but also conceptually eradicated, as the regime controlled the narrative to an extensive degree.

Impact on Soviet Society and Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on the long-term impacts of Stalin's use of language and terror on Soviet society. The pervasive fear and suppression of free expression left enduring scars, influencing subsequent generations and shaping the historical memory of the Soviet Union.

"L'héritage de Stalin perdure dans la manière dont nous comprenons le pouvoir et la manipulation des masses par le langage."
(Franz Kiltier, 57:22)

Conclusion: Lessons from History

Le Cours de l'histoire wraps up by underscoring the importance of understanding the power of language in governance and the dangers of its misuse. By dissecting Stalin's rhetoric, the episode offers valuable insights into how words can be harnessed to both build and destroy societies.

Notable Contributions and Acknowledgments

The episode features contributions from scholars and historians such as Benjamin Turo and Stephane Foulon, with editorial oversight by Emmanuel Laurentin and coordination by Christine Bernard. Special thanks are extended to Vanessa Prevot for her role in realizing the comprehensive analysis presented.

For those interested in exploring this episode further, all episodes of Le Cours de l'histoire are available without limitation on Radio France.

This summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike, enriched with direct quotes and structured insights.