Thoughts on: Russian Tsarist vs Communist leadership (changes and continuity)

ˈsaˌtīr/
Aug 27, 2017 · 5 min read

Both Tsarist and Communist leaders share same characteristics in their nature of leadership that continue and at the same time they share distinct traits that change overtime. In theory, all the Tsarist rulers were autocratic in nature but in reality, under Nicholas II it changes slightly more to oligarchy. While most of the Communist leaders were oligarchy in their ruling nature, under Stalin this converts towards more autocratic. Both change and continuity occurs, and it seems that continuity was more prominent as most of the rulers use the tool of repression to get their way.

Ways that Russia was ruled was fundamentally determined by the nature and traits of each leader himself. Autocracy was certainly apparent under the Tsarist rulers, where one person had absolute power to govern and to a large degree this shows continuity in which Russia was ruled. Alexander II was known for his liberal view and that he was able to brought reforms such as Emancipation Edict in 1861, and Judicial reforms without difficulty or limitation from other nobles. Apparently, no one would dare questioned his decision though most of the nobility dislike the idea of his reforms and especially liberating the serfs. This continued but perhaps more extreme under his successor, Alexander III. Presumably, Alexander III was more controlling given the fact that his predecessor was assassinated by opposition groups. Provided that, Alexander III’s closed advisor; Konstantin Pobedonostev was known for his doctrine of the necessity of preserving the autocratic power. This slightly changed under Nicholas II where he was ruling Russia with the Duma and forced to give away his power in 1917. The most crucial changes of the way that Russia was ruled was perhaps the establishment of Provisional Government in 1917, whereby all powers vested in this assembly temporarily before the Russians have elected assembly. This shows that some of the Tsars were strongly autocratic and one of them is weaker than others.

This change completely under Communist leaders where Autocracy was replaced by oligarchy in other words the ruling elites. Lenin took power with the backing of the Bolsheviks and established a central committee. Unlike his predecessor, Stalin managed to convert his rule by totalitarian (dictatorship) way of ruling by personality cult. This shows a remarkable change and to an extent brings back the nature of autocracy in Russia. The fact that all of the government decision rest upon Stalin hands and all the reports were under his awareness shows that he was a strong autocratic type of leader. Khrushchev was able to brought back the oligarchy way of ruling with his doctrine of “De-Stalinisation.” The fact that the central committee removed him is a certain evident that the outside parties have the shared power. Overall, to some extent both changes and continuity occurs in terms of leadership style and how power is shared among the leaders.

Both under the Tsars and the Communist leaders repressed the Russian society overtime, and it seems that less changes occurs. All the leaders used repression as the most effective tool to get their way. Some used them as a tool to force a policy and some used them as a way of responding the situation. The use of repression was less likely apparent under Alexander II as there was little threat, or perhaps the secret police was only reporting what was happening. Under Alexander III, the used of repression slightly became more apparent followed by the establishment of Okhrana. Land captain was also introduced in replacement of the Zemtsva. Whereby peasantry were carefully controlled and watched. Prosecution and execution of opposition groups that is a threat or even a possible to the imperial family was more apparent . Lenin’s brother execution was one of the evidence of the use of repression. Nicholas II still used repression like his predecessors but with a different purpose. Although generally it was not effective, the army was ordered to killed civilians in mass demonstration such as the July days and Bloody Sunday. Lenin continue to repressed the opposition by creating Cheka and the provision of recruiting Red Army in order to maintain “War Communism.” Gulag was also created under Lenin as the prison camps for all of the opposition, and this continued to be used under Stalin and Khrushchev. Stalin was probably the most repressive leader among the communists. Most of the policies he had were effectively implemented by the use of repression. The political purges of possible “threat” and disloyalty were sent to the gulags or exiled in Siberia, and approximately 20 millions Russians were sent. Dekulakization is used to effectively implement his mass collectivization where more than 1.8 million peasants were deported in 1930–31. Coercive measures were taken to respond peasants resistance of joining collective farms by the used of “shock brigades.” Gulags continued to exist under Khrushchev. The Novocherkassk massacre by the Soviet Army killed 26 protesters which markedly suggests that Khrushchev used repression for the purpose of responding the situation. To a large extent, continuity was more likely apparent in terms of the use of repression given the fact that different leaders had different purposes and reasons.

Reforms can also be seen as a measure of the way Russian leaders ruled. There were two types of reforms, first is social and later, is governmental reforms which was more crucial in determining changes and continuity throughout the period. Both changes and continuity occurs, but perhaps, in terms of government reforms changes is more likely to be apparent. Under Alexander II, some reforms were made to affect the way local government operates. Following the emancipation edict, Mir was established to look after the peasantry and Zemtsva was introduced as an elected body of local councilors. Changes in power distribution occurred when local government (Zemtsva) replaced by Land Captain in 1889 under Alexander III.

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ˈsaˌtīr/

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An Indonesian cynic attempting to outwit mediocre human beings. Beware, all views are personal. www.instagram.com/lzkafrawi

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