Blog
Go On Pretending: From Stalin’s Doctors Plot to Soviet Central Television
Alina Adams post explores the creation of Dennis Kagan, a fictional Soviet media elite in the novel “Go On Pretending,” inspired by real-life Soviet propagandist Vladimir Pozner. Through Kagan’s story—shaped by personal trauma from Stalin’s Doctors Plot and cynical opportunism—the post examines Soviet media manipulation, propaganda, and shifting allegiances. Ultimately, Kagan’s character highlights how survival and self-interest often outweighed ideology in the USSR’s media landscape.
Go On Pretending: African-Americans and the USSR
Alina Adams explores the complex relationship between African-Americans and the USSR, focusing on Paul Robeson’s admiration for Stalin and the Soviet Union’s supposed racial equality. Through her novel’s characters, Adams highlights how some African-Americans, like Robeson, overlooked Soviet atrocities in hopes of a better life, only to confront harsh realities. The story questions the cost of “going on pretending” about utopian ideals.
The Rise and Fall of the USSR
Grace E. Turton's article explores the rise and fall of the USSR, highlighting Joseph Stalin's pivotal role. Stalin's leadership was marked by power struggles, brutal policies, and the implementation of Five-Year Plans. His reign led to significant events like the Great Terror, World War II, and the Cold War. Ultimately, Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms and the USSR's economic struggles contributed to its dissolution in 1991.
The Origins of the USSR
Grace E. Turton's article "The Origins of the USSR" explores the formation of the USSR, highlighting key figures like Lenin and Trotsky, who built on Marx and Engels' ideas. The article traces the downfall of Tsarist Russia, catalyzed by military defeats and social unrest, leading to the 1917 revolutions. Lenin's Bolsheviks eventually seized power, establishing a communist regime. The Russian Civil War solidified Bolshevik control, culminating in the creation of the USSR, setting the stage for Stalin's rise.