Keyword: «a.a. kuznetsov»

. The article investigates the struggle for power and influence on the leader in the postwar Stalin`s leadership. Particular attention is given to the confrontation of “Leningrad group” and G. M. Malenkov`s supporters in the Central Committee. One of the results of this struggle was elimination from the party of Stalin`s illegitimate son. This decision was initiated by the representatives of “Leningrad group”.

The article deals with the preparation by Stalin of regular demonstration of the political process, which required to the leader not only for the aim of covering the majority of repressive post-war actions, but also for the introduction into the mass consciousness of the idea of a new internal enemy. The kingpin of preparing company was supposed to unite into one resonance "affair" several lines of investigation: "Leningrad affair", "the affair of the doctors " and "the affair of terrorists" in the Ministry of State Security. All unmasked "enemies of the people" were incriminated the work on Western intelligence agencies. Such universal formulation allows Stalin to dispose of his opponents and then deals with the proceedings of the "traitors".