Ideological Aspects of the Soviet Economy Management during the Stalin Period

Abstract

One of the most important factors in the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War was the system of national economy management that prevailed at the time. Although economic planning in modern Russia is not directive, and the economy is mixed, the complex international situation and the status of a great power require a careful examination of the Soviet system of management, its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding how the Soviet leadership managed to prepare the country’s economy for the war, ensure a great victory, and facilitate post-war reconstruction can be valuable in the current stage of historical development. A study of archival materials and published sources has shown that the Stalinist ideology of economic management consisted of the following elements: 1) the basic principle of governance — a rigid administrative and command system under the undivided leadership of a monolithic party; 2) the main economic objectives — to create the economic base of socialism and maximize the country’s defense capability; 3) the order of key decision-making — the concentration of power in the hands of I.V. Stalin; 4) resources — the natural resources of the country, and the instruments — the Communist Party, the socialist system, and developed industry; 5) the mechanism of management — directive planning; 6) the image of the future — the construction of a communist society in the long term, and the strengthening of Soviet statehood and the fulfillment of urgent tasks (preparation for the war, ensuring the victory, and post-war reconstruction) in the short term.