ABSTRACT
The divergence between the Soviet Union and its foreign affiliates in their responses to de-Stalinization reflected the dual nature of Stalinism as a historical phenomenon. Stalinism by universal usage is a term of opprobrium, even of horror. Stalinism may be summarized as a synthesis of certain powerful historical influences, both Russian and universal, accomplished by a unique individual who was able to add his personal stamp to the amalgam. The rejection of Stalinism by the Left outside of Russia was long delayed by their ideological commitment to Marxism. Since that time Soviet theorists have devised various ritualistic categories to describe the country's progress—"perfecting socialism" or "preparing the foundations for the transition to communism." Building formidable foundations for Russian imperial power, Stalinism set Russia against the world, not only against the capitalist world but against the revolutionary world insofar as it was not Soviet-controlled. The reforms of Khrushchev were hailed all over the world as de-Stalinization.
