Question

In 150 to 200 words, differentiate between the government-sanctioned violence in China under Mao and the government-sanctioned violence in the USSR under Stalin. Give examples.

Answer 1

Government sanctioned violence under Mao was interpreted by Mao as necessary to preserve the state of continuous revolution, in which China would continue to evolve and shed the shackles of its dynastic past. Although violence was used against political opponents, Mao was more secure in his power and there was not as much threat of overthrow. Mao's main objective in his violent projects, such as the Cultural Revolution,was to keep China from achieving stability and the complacence that may have came with it. Although misguided, his intention was for a new China, united under the doctrine of Communism and with a desire to start fresh, to emerge. 

Stalin mainly used violence as a tool for suppressing dissent and consolidating his power. He did not want to cause disorder through violence, which was a secondary objective for Mao, but wanted to make sure that no one could challenge his dominance in the USSR. He sent political opponents to gulags or had them killed for the sake of making them disappear, while Mao often sent people in the party to internment camps for "reeducation", only to call upon them later to serve in the government.