Behind the Bastards Part One: Beria: Stalin's Pedophile Cop & the Soviet Oppenheimer
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Apr 9, 2024 Joe Kassabian dives into Lavrentiy Beria's dark past as Stalin's head of secret police, discussing his sex crimes, ethnic cleansing, and nuclear ambitions. They explore Beria's rise to power through ruthless tactics, manipulation, and disturbing predatory behavior towards underage girls. The discussion delves into the shadowy world of Soviet politics and the challenges of researching historical figures like Beria.
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Beria: Stalin's Himmler?
- Stalin called Beria "my Himmler" at the Yalta Conference, comparing him to the head of the SS.
- However, unlike Himmler, Beria wasn't ideologically driven but rather a power-seeking opportunist.
Georgia's Geographic Challenge
- Georgia's geographic location between powerful empires like the Ottomans and Russia caused its tumultuous history.
- It became a speed bump country, constantly caught in power struggles.
Beria's Mingrelian Origins
- Beria was born in Merkuli, Georgia, to a Mingrelian family, an ethnic minority.
- This fact becomes relevant later, as ethnic minorities faced persecution under Stalin.