To present himself as a bold reformer
	To undermine the position of his potential rivals (Molotov and Malenkov)
	To reassert Soviet leadership over the world communist movement
	Khrushchev’s personal qualities

 

Political Risks of Revealing the Extent of Terror

 

	Risk of undermining the stability of the regime
	Risk of an outburst of mass anger
	Current leaders were deeply implicated in Stalin’s repressive policies

 

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