sep 6, 1991 - "Magnetic Mountain: Stalinism as a Civilization" -- Stephen Kotkin

Description:

Part of the Modernist school of thought, after gaining new access to archives and new influences of cultural studies and social theory. Argues that Stalinism had an idealized civilization as the goal, guided by socialist ideals and implemented through control. By affecting everyday life through the benefits/service of the welfare state and making Stalinism a social identity and way of life, the goals of Stalinism was to remake civilization. As part of the modernist school, it focuses on the individual experience and argues that there was genuine belief and participation in the Soviet project.