395. Stalin: The Rise of A Tyrant (Part 1)
Summary
Hosts William Dalrymple and Anita Aron explore the resurgence of Stalin's image in modern Russia, analyzing Putin's justification for restoring Soviet monuments as a defense against "excessive demonization." The episode traces Stalin's origins in Georgia, detailing his abusive childhood, smallpox scars, and early radicalization through poetry and a failed bank robbery. It also examines his entry into the Bolshevik movement, highlighting his role as a pragmatic organizer behind Lenin and Trotsky during the revolution.
Topics discussed
Intro: Star Wars and Tremfaya ads
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Stalin relief on Moscow Metro
Putin's view of Stalin and 'effective manager'
Comparison to Oliver Cromwell
Stalin's birth date and name origins
Georgian identity and history
Abusive childhood and drunken father
Childhood injuries and smallpox
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Stalin's poetry and Georgian pride
Mother's ambition and seminary entry
Banned books and the nickname Koba
Banditry and the Tbilisi bank robbery
Mugshot and meeting Lenin
Lenin's background and Bolshevik rise
Stalin's role in the revolution
Outro and next episode preview
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