Stephen Kotkin: "Stalin, Volume I: Paradoxes of Power" Book Discussion with Dr. Elidor Mehilli

Stephen Kotkin discusses his new book Stalin, Volume I: Paradoxes of Power with Professor Elidor Mehilli of Hunter College at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute on October 1, 2015.

[@rondav41]

Seen quite a few of his presentations, this is by far his most organized presentation. Enjoyed all his lectures though.

[@StefanTravis]

Interesting that Kotkin analyses Stalin's psychology as a product of his situation. Because that's exactly the marxist approach.

[@nataliatarnovsky6997]

cuenta la historia que los sovieticos tenian los ojos negros mas hermosos del universo.su piel canela como la noche.heran hermosos

[@Armandaanthro]

The third theses, that modernity is not a natural process and that it was impose by tanks, does not really apply for Rusia. Russia had a similar feudal structure during the middle ages, and then a similar city - development... modern philosophy evolved in 18th and 19th century russia too, and modern illuminist reforms had started to implement way before the French revolution (just look at the case of Catherine the Great). The problem with Rusia was that it was a huge, immense state to govern, with infinite lands and pesantry, and not a small state like France or England. So I totally disagree with the theses that Modernity was alien and imposed to Rusia. Less so is the case with the Ottoman Empire, but there too existet entire groups of populations thirsty of modernity.