Authors

Discussion

The paper will examine the fascinating trajectory of Mikhail Gefter, a prominent Soviet historian who transitioned from a committed Stalinist to a vocal dissident. Gefter's intellectual journey reflects the complex evolution of Soviet thought during the post-Stalin era. Initially a fervent believer in Stalinist orthodoxy, Gefter, along with other historians of his generation, embarked on a project of revising Soviet historiography in the 1960s, challenging the deterministic and teleological narratives of the Stalinist era. Drawing on archival research and theoretical innovation, Gefter argued for the significance of historical contingency, choice, and alternative pathways of development, posing a direct challenge to the established dogma. His work, along with that of his contemporaries, sought to revitalise Marxist thought by injecting it with a renewed emphasis on human agency and the possibility of different historical outcomes.

The paper will explore the intellectual and political context of Gefter's work, examining the reactions of both the Soviet establishment and his fellow historians to his revisionist project. It will trace his increasing marginalisation within official academic circles, culminating in his dismissal from the Institute of History in 1976. Finally, the paper will analyse Gefter's subsequent engagement with the Soviet dissident movement, focusing on his role in the underground journal Poiski and his continued exploration of Leninist thought as a potential source for critical reflection on the Soviet experience. By focusing on Gefter's remarkable journey, the paper will offer a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between ideology, historical scholarship, and dissent in the late Soviet Union.