Class War or Race War: The Inner Fronts of Soviet Society during and after the Second World War

Kende's Class War or Race War challenges the master narrative of Soviet state antisemitism by refuting the myth of its systemic nature and reconstructing the real frontlines of Soviet society in the 1940s. He argues that Jews could have been found on both sides of the inner frontlines and that the spontaneous formations of the frontlines lacked class consciousness, leading to their recording as acts of antisemitism. The book is a valuable read for scholars of Soviet history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Class War or Race War is a profound exploration that goes beyond the conventional understanding of Soviet state antisemitism. Kende not only challenges the myth of systemic socialism as inherently anti-Communist but also seeks to unravel and deconstruct its origins. Through extensive use of historical documents, memoirs, and related historiography, the book aims to make historical sense from the myth it seeks to refute. Kende delves beyond contemporary perceptions of the "Jewish question" and antisemitism, employing a close reading of original documents to reconstruct the true frontlines of Soviet society in the 1940s. Contrary to popular belief, these frontlines were not defined by identity-political lines but rather by social classes. The book revitalizes the forgotten understanding of social classes within an allegedly classless and monolithic society. The spontaneous formations of the actual frontlines in the hinterland or on the frontlines (battlefields, in the Red Army) lacked class consciousness, leading to their occurrences being recorded as acts of antisemitism. As the book advocates, Jews could have been found on both sides of the inner frontlines of Soviet society during and right after WWII.

This insightful read is particularly valuable for scholars of Soviet history, offering a bold and challenging interpretation of the regime and its perceived and real flaws. It sheds light on the complex dynamics and contradictions within Soviet society and challenges the dominant narratives that have shaped our understanding of this period. By delving into the historical records and examining the experiences of individuals and communities, Class War or Race War provides a fresh perspective on a pivotal chapter in world history.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032577333