Policing Stalin’s Socialism is one of the first books to emphasize the importance of social order repression by Stalin’s Soviet regime in contrast to the traditional emphasis of historians on political repression. Based on extensive examination of new archival materials; David Shearer finds that most repression during the Stalinist dictatorship of the 1930s was against marginal social groups such as petty criminals; deviant youth; sectarians; and the unemployed and unproductive. It was because Soviet leaders regarded social disorder as more of a danger to the state than political opposition that they instituted a new form of class war to defend themselves against this perceived threat. Despite the combined work of the political and civil police the efforts to cleanse society failed; this failure set the stage for the massive purges that decimated the country in the late 1930s.
#165596 in Books 2010-11-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 12.00 x 1.06 x 9.00l; 4.07 #File Name: 0300124600336 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful maps and data tables make the book a handy ...By CustomerThis book is a must have for anyone studying the African Diaspora and the statistical and geographic history of the event. Beautiful maps and data tables make the book a handy reference for a scholar; student or someone interested in the era.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Book!By MaxsterThis Atlas is an excellent reference book containing much illuminating information; including many well illustrated maps (all in full color) and numerous charts. The paper and print quality are both very good. For anyone interested in expanding their understanding of the Transatlantic slave trade; this work would make an excellent starting point.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding Source. A Foundational Necessity for Students of the SubjectBy David L.Fascinating presentation with wonderful informative graphics and tons of background detail. A must for a student of the subject. Most up to date research is included.
