RUSSIA: Proof of Weakness

In Communism's 37 years in power in Russia, leaders have fallen from power in dramatically diverse ways. Some cringingly confessed to being jackals, venal hirelings in the pay of the capitalist enemy. Some went silently to the cellar. Some, like Molotov in his days as Premier, stepped uncomplainingly aside and lived on, even rising to high power again. Some, like the devoted Communists in Arthur Koestler's Darkness at Noon, confessed to others' errors as their last proof of loyalty to the system, and hoped that after their deaths Communist history would thank...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!