Under Stalin's Shadow: A Global History of Greek Communism

Under Stalin's Shadow examines the history of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) from 1918 to 1956, showing how closely national Communism was related to international developments. It reveals the role of Moscow in the various Communist parties of Southeastern Europe, and how international institutions, geopolitical soviet interests, and sister parties strategies shaped the KKE's leadership, character, and decision-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Under Stalin's Shadow delves into the rich history of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) from 1918 to 1956, shedding light on the intricate relationship between national Communism and global developments. Through meticulous research utilizing a wealth of published and unpublished archival documents sourced from Greece, Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Balkan countries, the book uncovers the profound influence of Moscow on the various Communist parties across Southeastern Europe. Nikos Marantzidis, in his insightful analysis, demonstrates that Communism's international institutions, including the Moscow Center, Comintern, Balkan Communist Federation, Cominform, and sister parties in the Balkans, played a crucial role in shaping the orientations and policy choices of these parties.

By examining the KKE's journey, Under Stalin's Shadow traces the movement's interactions with neighboring states' fraternal parties and its acknowledged supreme mentors in Stalin's Soviet Russia. Marantzidis reveals how the blurred boundaries between the national and international realms in the Communist world influenced the leadership, character, decision-making processes, and way of life of the KKE's followers over the years. The book sheds light on how international institutions, geopolitical Soviet interests, and sister parties' strategies shaped the KKE's trajectory, contributing to its unique identity and impact within the broader communist movement.

This comprehensive exploration of the KKE's history provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between national and international factors, showcasing the profound influence of Moscow on the development of communist parties in Southeastern Europe. Under Stalin's Shadow is a crucial contribution to the study of political history, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics of the Communist world during a pivotal period.

Weight: 907g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501767661