Document Type
Honors Project
First Advisor
Dr. Brandon Marsh
Degree Award Date
Spring 5-2-2026
Keywords
Economic Plans, Authoritarianism, United States, Soviet Union, COMECON, The Marshall Plan
Disciplines
European History | Political History
Abstract
This research examines the authoritarian tactics used by Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union to consolidate control over Eastern Europe between 1945 and 1955. Case studies on Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Romania are used to explore how Stalin weakened political and social systems in these states through the use of authoritarian tactics. These tactics include gaining control of foreign governments, suppressing opposition parties, election rigging, control of security forces, censorship, and economic planning. The Soviet Union used a set of consistent tactics to establish and maintain authoritarian rule. Additionally, the reconstruction of Europe following World War II through the Marshall Plan and COMECON played a key role in dividing Europe into spheres of influence between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Recommended Citation
Mongold, Jordan R., "Competing for Power in Postwar Europe: The Marshall Plan, COMECON, and Authoritarian Strategies of Control in Eastern Europe" (2026). Honors Projects. 937.
https://digitalcommons.bridgewater.edu/honors_projects/937