Big Ideas Mao and Stalin — did they lead the way for tyrannical leaders like Trump?
Jul 23, 2025
Linda Jaivin, an expert on Chinese culture, and Sheila Fitzpatrick, a historian of the Soviet Union, dive into the legacies of Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin. They explore the frightening similarities between these historical tyrants and contemporary leaders, like Trump. Discussion includes the cult-like admiration for Mao, the tumultuous Cultural Revolution, and how their influences resonate in today's politics, particularly in Russia and China. Personal stories of generational trauma linked to these regimes highlight the enduring impact of their authoritarian legacies.
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Mao and Trump Parallels
- Mao and Trump share traits like personality cult and chaotic manipulation.
- Mao's ideological intelligence starkly contrasts with Trump's grifter motivations.
Stalin's Cultural Revolution Parallels
- Stalin enabled cultural revolution-style violence by unleashing youthful communist activists against perceived enemies.
- This parallels Trump in encouraging factional chaos under his leadership.
Post-Stalin Shift Missed by West
- After Stalin's death, his successors reversed key Stalinist policies, including releasing million Gulag prisoners.
- The West missed a Cold War thaw opportunity when it ignored Soviet peace overtures.
