«Алфавит инакомыслия» Рой Медведев - Радио Свобода

Summary

The radio program 'Alphabet of Dissent' features a discussion on the life and work of Roy Medvedev, a prominent Soviet-era dissident and historian. Born in Tiflis in 1925, Medvedev is known for his critical views on Stalinism, expressed in works like 'To the Court of History' and 'Political Diary'. The conversation explores his early life, academic career, and the paradoxes of his political affiliations, including his expulsion from the Communist Party in 1969. Despite his criticisms, Medvedev remained loyal to socialism and was awarded a prestigious prize by the FSB for his book on Andropov. The discussion highlights the complexities and contradictions of Medvedev's legacy, reflecting the diverse thought processes within Soviet dissent.

Takeaways

• 😐 The conversation revolves around Roy Medvedev, a prominent Soviet-era dissident and historian known for his critical views on Stalinism.
• 📚 Medvedev's work 'To the Court of History' was one of the first samizdat books to circulate, highlighting his early involvement in the dissident movement.
• 👥 The discussion mentions Roy Medvedev's twin brother, the scientist Georgy Medvedev, indicating a family of intellectuals.
• 🎓 Roy Medvedev's academic background includes graduating with honors from the philosophy faculty of Leningrad University and later becoming a candidate of pedagogical sciences.
• 👨‍🏫 His professional life was diverse, ranging from teaching to editing and leading research sectors in educational institutions.
• 🚫 The conversation touches on the political climate of the Soviet Union, including Medvedev's expulsion from the Communist Party and the challenges faced by dissidents.
• 📖 Medvedev's 'Political Diary' is described as an encyclopedia of the 20th century, covering a wide range of topics from literature to politics and human rights.
• 🤝 Despite his criticisms, Medvedev maintained a certain level of loyalty to the Soviet Union, particularly in his views on international détente.
• 🏆 Interestingly, Medvedev was awarded a prize by the FSB for his book on Andropov, which seems paradoxical considering Andropov's previous criticism of Medvedev's work.
• 💬 The speakers debate the ethical principles and historical context when evaluating figures like Medvedev, emphasizing the complexity and subjectivity involved in such assessments.
• 🔍 The discussion highlights the nuances of dissent in the Soviet Union, suggesting that Medvedev and others represented various strands of thought within the opposition.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'Рой Медведев' in the context of the radio program?

Рой Медведев, or Roy Medvedev, is named in honor of one of the founders of the Communist Party of India, Manilal Roy. He is a notable figure discussed in the radio program 'Алфавит инакомыслия' due to his controversial and complex figure in Soviet history.

What does the term 'самиздат' refer to in the script?

Самиздат refers to the practice of self-publishing in the Soviet Union, especially for works that were censored or not allowed to be published by the state. Roy Medvedev's book 'К суду истории' is mentioned as one of the first works to circulate in this manner.

What is the historical context of the discussions in the radio program?

The discussions are set within the Soviet era, specifically the post-war period, and focus on evaluating historical figures and events based on the ethical and ideological norms that existed at that time.

How does the radio program host describe the first impression of Roy Medvedev's work?

The host describes the first impression as being quite impactful, as 'К суду истории' was one of the first samizdat books they encountered. The book's focus on Stalinism and its historical context resonated strongly with the host.

What is the significance of 'Политического дневника' in the script?

The 'Политического дневника' or 'Political Diary' is highlighted as an important work by Roy Medvedev. It is described as an encyclopedia-like 'book for reading' about the 20th century, covering a wide range of topics from Soviet politics to cultural discussions.

What is the connection between Roy Medvedev's early works and the period of Stalinism?

Roy Medvedev's early works were dedicated to the period of Stalinism, focusing on its history and implications. His approach to this era was not very different from others who spoke about different things, indicating a common interest in understanding and critiquing this period.

What is the background of Roy Medvedev mentioned in the script?

Roy Medvedev was born in Tiflis on November 14, 1925, to a family with a history of political struggle. His father was a senior lecturer in philosophy who was arrested and died in Kolyma after being accused of Trotskyism. Roy served in the army during World War II and later became a prominent historian and critic of Stalinism.

How did the political climate of the 1960s in the Soviet Union influence Roy Medvedev's work?

The 1960s, a period of 'thaw' in the Soviet Union, allowed for more open discussions and debates, including those on Stalinism and academic history. This atmosphere enabled Roy Medvedev to actively participate in public and semi-official life, contributing to the discourse on Soviet history and politics.

What is the irony mentioned regarding the fate of Roy Medvedev and his twin brother, Zores?

The irony lies in the fact that both brothers, one being against Lenin and the other fervently for Lenin, faced persecution. It highlights the complexities and contradictions in how the Soviet authority treated its critics and supporters.

What was the significance of the open letter to the leaders of the USSR by Roy Medvedev, Valentin Turchin, and Andrei Sakharov in 1970?

The open letter, dated March 15, 1970, called for the democratization of the Soviet system. It is suggested that the ideas presented in this letter might have laid the groundwork for what later became known as 'perestroika' under Mikhail Gorbachev.

How did Roy Medvedev manage to avoid repression despite his critical works?

Roy Medvedev's avoidance of repression is attributed to various factors, including his loyalty to the policy of détente in the 1970s and his relatively moderate stance compared to more radical dissidents. His works, while critical, did not directly oppose the regime, which might have contributed to his ability to avoid severe consequences.

What is the paradox mentioned in the script regarding Roy Medvedev receiving an award from the FSB for his book about Andropov?

The paradox is that Roy Medvedev, who had previously faced criticism from the Soviet establishment for his work 'К суду истории', later received an award from the FSB for his book about Andropov, a figure who had previously criticized Medvedev's work. This highlights the unpredictable and sometimes contradictory nature of official recognition in Russia.

How does the script describe the evolution of Roy Medvedev's views on socialism?

The script suggests that Roy Medvedev maintained a consistent commitment to socialism throughout his life, despite changes in his understanding of what socialism should look like. His views evolved, but his core beliefs and ideals from his youth remained unchanged.

What is the concept of 'разномыслие' or 'diversity of thought' in the context of the Soviet Union?

The concept of 'разномыслие' refers to the diversity of opinions and thoughts that existed within the Soviet Union, even though there was an official, unified doctrine. It highlights the fact that dissenters and those with different views thought in various ways and were not a monolithic group.

What is the debate about the name of the radio program 'Алфавит инакомыслия'?

There is a discussion about whether the program should be renamed to 'Алфавит разномыслия' to reflect the diversity of thought within dissent. However, the hosts decide to keep the original name, as it has always represented a range of thoughts in contradiction to the official Soviet doctrine.