cover of episode THE LEADERS: Stalin

THE LEADERS: Stalin

2025/3/18
logo of podcast Dan Snow's History Hit

Dan Snow's History Hit

AI Chapters Transcript
Chapters
This chapter examines the role of Joseph Stalin in World War II, arguing his significant influence and comparing his brutal leadership to that of other Axis leaders.
  • Stalin's name is synonymous with absolute power.
  • He worked with Hitler but ultimately aligned with the Allies.
  • His actions shaped the world order for 50 years post-WWII.

Shownotes Transcript

Was WWII actually Stalin's War? He's a man whose name is synonymous with absolute power, the epitome of ruthless ambition, his story is one of both triumph and unspeakable cruelty. A man whose brutality matched any of the Axis leaders....who worked with Hitler….yet in the end ...aligned himself with the Allies. As a result, he came out of the war on top and shaped the world order for the subsequent 50 years. Even today his shadow falls over the events we're seeing on the evening news.

In this episode of 'The Leaders' Dan is joined by Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, Phillips O'Brien and historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to examine the rise of Stalin's totalitarian power and the way he manipulated everyone on both sides to reach his strategic aims. 

Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore

Phillip's book 'The Strategists' is available now.

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