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Behind the Bastards
Part One: Beria: Stalin's Pedophile Cop & the Soviet Oppenheimer
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.
01:13:43
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Quick takeaways
- Beria excelled in intrigue and espionage, leading to rapid promotions within the Cheka.
- His brutal tactics and willingness to use violence solidified Beria's power within the Soviet government.
Deep dives
Becoming a Spy for the Bolsheviks
Beria's early involvement in spying for the Bolsheviks while in Azerbaijan leads to his deepening engagement with revolutionary activities. He joins the Bolshevik party and undertakes counterintelligence missions against the Musavat party, the Bolsheviks' rivals. Despite facing arrest and imprisonment due to his espionage activities, Beria continues to work as a spy, showcasing his opportunistic and espionage skills.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode