Stalin's Purges: Paranoia and Power

This chapter explores the historical context surrounding Stalin's purges, rooted in the paranoia of Soviet leadership due to perceived threats from both internal dissent and external interventions. It highlights the removal of military leaders, particularly Tukhachevsky, and examines how the atmosphere of distrust within the Red Army fueled the Great Terror. The discussion also critiques the narratives surrounding intelligence operations during this era, evaluating their impact on decision-making and the broader implications for Soviet surveillance and control.