Robert Service, a noted historian specializing in Russian history, dives deep into the turbulent legacies of Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin. He explores Lenin's totalitarian ideologies and his disconnect with the populace, while contrasting him with Trotsky's complex legacy. The discussion touches on the historical context influencing Russian preferences for strong leaders, the significance of Soviet archives, and the potential alternative outcomes of pivotal events like the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. His insights illuminate the intricate tapestry of Russian revolutionary history.

An in-depth look at the life of Josef Stalin, charting his childhood in Georgia, his rise to power as the dictator of the Soviet Union and his impact on the post-war world. The experts explore Stalin's early life, his role in the Russian Revolution, the implementation of collectivization, the Holodomor, and the Great Terror, as well as his personal dictatorship, alliance with Nazi Germany, and the connection between Stalinism and Leninism. They also discuss his personal life, intelligence, and the devastating effects of his rule on Russia.

Robert Service, a lecturer in Russian history and biographer of Lenin, teams up with Vitali Vitaliev, a former Soviet journalist and author, to dissect Lenin's complex legacy. They discuss Lenin's role in shaping the Soviet state and the one-party regime, contrasting his mythic persona with his real character. Insights into Lenin's early life reveal the intricacies behind his revolutionary image. As Russia contemplates his burial, they explore how his ideologies continue to resonate in contemporary society, despite the removal of his statues across Eastern Europe.