The activity of G.M. Malenkov in the USA State Department evaluations

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Abstract

This paper discusses the process of evaluating the activities of Georgy Maksimilianovich Malenkov by the USA State Department and people associated with it. On the basis of documents available to the American Foreign Office, an analysis is made of the perception of the personality of this Soviet leader. The paper traces the evolution of points of view regarding his position in the political hierarchy in the USSR, G.M. Malenkov’s influence on the domestic and foreign policy of the state. The paper identifies the features of the analytical intelligence of the State Department on this issue. Telegrams, letters and memorandums provide an opportunity to trace the vision of diplomats, officials, politicians in contact with this department, the causes and consequences of G.M. Malenkov’s elevation to the chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and his final removal from the Soviet leaders. The sources allow us to explore a retrospective analysis of his activities based on the reports of American ambassadors. The overall body of evidence demonstrates the importance of a personal approach in assessing Soviet leaders, not only for the State Department, but also for the USA President, the National Security Council, the CIA, congressional committees and allied foreign diplomats. The results of the study can become a basis for scientific research on the topics of the Cold War, the political development of the USSR, and the assessment of the Soviet system by the American authorities.

About the authors

Zaur Imalverdi ogly Mamedov

Samara State University of Social Sciences and Education

Author for correspondence.
Email: mamedov.zaur.1993@gmail.com

postgraduate student of World History, Law and Teaching Methods Department

Russian Federation, Samara

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