Conversations with Tyler Stephen Kotkin on Stalin, Power, and the Art of Biography
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Dec 4, 2024 
Stephen Kotkin, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and a prominent historian of Russian and Soviet history, dives deep into the mechanics of totalitarian power. He discusses the enduring influence of Buddhism and shamanism in Siberia, and how the landscape shaped its residents. Kotkin shares personal anecdotes from his time in Magnitogorsk and explores Stalin’s complex relationship with artistic genius. He also navigates the intricacies of researching WWII, revealing the moral dilemmas faced in studying such a controversial figure.
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Russian Buddhism
- A lively Buddhist presence existed in Russia, predating the Soviet era.
- The Russian army's historical involvement in Inner Asia exposed them to Buddhist peoples.
Siberian Shamanism
- Shamanism persists culturally in Siberia, particularly among people of non-European descent.
- The depth of belief, however, varies; some practice actively, while others have only cultural exposure.
Siberian Independence
- Siberia's sparse population and economic dependence on European Russia hinder its independence.
- The region faces major challenges in connectivity, governance, and economic self-sufficiency.