Stalinism at War

A true tour de force, this single book weaves together Soviet grand strategy; World War II era geopolitics; and social, economic, and of course military history all together ... Mark Edele has made a considerable contribution to scholarship regarding the Soviet Union during World War II as well as the Stalinist period of Soviet history. It is highly recommended for specialists in these areas, as well as those seeking a decent introduction. Its comprehensive weaving together of various strains of history of the time period is a true model for future scholarship. * Journal of Slavic Military Studies *
Anyone looking for a readable and thought-provoking primer about the Second World War need look no further. * European History Quarterly *
[A] superb account of the Soviet Second World War, one the present reviewer will be assigning to classes for a long time to come. * Russian Review *
Edele’s Stalinism at War makes a strong contribution to understanding the Soviet-German conflict by discussing changes in Stalinist practice during and after the fighting and in detailing the long, lethal opposition to Soviet power in Poland and the Baltics after 1944. * The Journal of Modern History *
Stalinism at War is a fine, detailed general history of the USSR in 1937–49. In particular, it successfully argues that the Soviet participation in World War II included Asia, starting in the 1930s, and was extremely destructive owing to the actions of both the Axis and the Stalin regime. This longer and larger framework better fits the domestic history of the USSR than do previous works on the subject. * Michigan War Studies Review *
The work is chocked full of valuable comprehensive statistical data ... Stalinism at War is the most authoritative and comprehensive short work on the Soviet Union in World War Two. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Soviet history or the Second World War and would be suitable assigned reading for courses on those topics. * Slavonic & East European Review *
A vividly written account of the conflict that comes equipped with a raft of compelling yet counterintuitive conclusions on the conflict… It’s a refreshing break with tradition given — as Edele is careful to note — the vast numbers who fought and died in these otherwise neglected theaters of conflict… Edele writes with a lively elegance that makes his narrative a genuine pleasure to read. His reluctance to get bogged down in the minutiae of war or to take sides in obscure historiographical debates keeps the text fresh and readable… What [the chapters] deliver is the richly human story of an inhuman conflict, masterfully told and compellingly reinterpreted. -- Felix Light * The Moscow Times *
Edele offers a provocative new interpretation of the central event of Soviet history – and the greatest war in the historical record – challenging the very chronology and geography that typically frame it. He weaves a highly readable narrative that toggles between the personal and epic without skipping a beat. * Brandon Schechter, Visiting Assistant Professor of History, Columbia University, USA *

Edele delivers plentiful bang for his reader’s buck – or rather, ruble. And his work is recommended reading. For students of history and strategy, Stalinism at War broadens our perspective of the vastness and multiplicity of timelines and front lines the Soviets fought over during the mightiest war, ever. For students of the human condition, Edele’s saga of oppression, deportation, massacre and battle makes clear how facile our Covid-era woes are compared to the staggering sufferings endured by a generation whose last, few survivors still share the earth with us.

-- Andrew Salmon * Asia Times *
This vivid, clear-eyed, and accessible new history reconceives Soviet involvement in WWII as a Eurasian cataclysm that began the east in 1937 and ended with the cessation of postwar insurgencies only in 1949. Sure-footed in military, international, political, and social history, Mark Edele incorporates his own landmark contributions into a synthesis of a vast new body of scholarship. This fresh vision, brought to life through a kaleidoscope of biographical accounts, is essential for everyone interested in Stalinism and World War II—both of which even today haunt Russia and the post-Soviet world. * Michael David-Fox, Professor of History, Georgetown University, USA *
For a period we thought we knew so well, Edele's Stalinism at War opens up a much broader conversation on Soviet military activity in the Second World War. A delightfully accessible read, backed by dense research and insightful judgements. Highly recommended. * David Stahel, Researcher, University of New South Wales, Australia *
This thought-provoking book, based on fresh sources, contributes two important elements to our understanding of the conflict: it shows how Soviet citizens were affected by developments, and it provides a context which is broad, both geographically and in terms of time. * Evan Mawdsley, Honorary Professorial Research Fellow, University of Glasgow, UK *
The author has made a significant contribution to the history of World War II and Stalinism in the Soviet Union and provided important insights into the impact of Stalin’s policies. This book can be recommended for those interested in issues related to Soviet World War II politics and the impact of total war on a society. * International Journal of Russian Studies *