ABSTRACT
The 1950s were marked by hopes that the Soviet system would find a new and more stable form of governance, less reliant on charismatic leadership. On Stalin’s death on 5 March 1953, all the heirs apparent agreed that the new epoch would be marked by collective leadership. The leader of the government and party, Georgii Malenkov, at first appeared to be in the strongest position, although on 14 March he was forced to choose between his party and government posts, and chose the latter, allowing him to launch a ‘New Course’ somewhat modifying Stalin’s economic policies. After a brief struggle the party’s new First Secretary, Nikita Khrushchev, triumphed over his rival, a victory that also represented the re-establishment of the party’s political dominance. Under Khrushchev’s leadership the excesses of Stalinist repression were curbed and the rudiments of the rule of law were introduced. The economic system was modified to focus more on consumer needs but the results were meagre. A new system of economic management was sought while the introduction of newtechnology was encouraged. In agriculture some ofthe worst Stalinist excesses were overcome, but the legacy of forced collectivisation made the sector a permanent drain on resources. Above all, Khrushchev sought to revive the Communist Party and the ideological vitality of the regime.
