The phrase "The Revolution Devours Its Children" comes to mind when discussing the brutal purges and executions of high-ranking officials, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens during the period of Stalin’s rule in the USSR. The show trials were a means of consolidating Stalin's power and eliminating any perceived threats to his regime. We will delve into the historical context of the show trials, the political motivations behind them, and the impact they had on Soviet society, through a case study of one of the most famous trials called the Zinoviev-Kamenev Trial. Join us to find out: What were the show trials and how did they work? Who were the victims of the show trials and why were they targeted? What was the impact of the show trials on Soviet society and the Communist Party? How did the show trials contribute to the development of Stalin's cult of personality? What lessons can we learn from the show trials and their aftermath?

The event is open to the press and all, but pre-registration is required.

Registration

Language: English

Program

5.00 PM – 5.45 PM Moderated discussion

· Audrey Unverferth, Writer and Cofounder, Chicago Thinker

· Moderator: Zalán Alkonyi, International Relations Coordinator

5.45 – 6.00 PM Q&A

BIO

Audrey Unverferth graduated summa cum laude from the University of Chicago in 2022 with degrees in Russian and East European Studies (with Honors) and Law, Letters, and Society. Her senior thesis, titled “Guilty Innocents’ Useful Performance as Debt Collection in Stalin’s 1936 Moscow Show Trial,” engaged with primary sources to examine the false confessions of guilt delivered by the first three defendants in Joseph Stalin’s 1936 Moscow Show Trial. Upon graduation, Unverferth was awarded the University of Chicago Slavic Languages and Literatures’ Anna Lise Crone Prize for the “most accomplished major graduating in Russian literature and culture.” While on campus, Unverferth served as the cofounder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of the Chicago Thinker — the United States’ leading conservative student-run newspaper. During her time as editor-in-chief, the Thinker earned media in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and Fox News. Most recently, Unverferth served as the Communications Manager for UATX, commonly referred to as the University of Austin, which is building a university dedicated to the fearless pursuit of truth. Unverferth’s commentary has been featured by Tucker Carlson Tonight, The Federalist, The Ingraham Angle, Sky News, and Newsmax.