In a declassified document from the 1950s (exact year illegible), CIA considers the changes in the Soviet leadership, following the death of Stalin. The document begins with a somewhat surprising appraisal of Stalin.

Even in Stalin's time there was collective leadership. The Western idea of a dictator within the Communist setup is exaggerated. Misunderstandings on that subject are caused by a lack of comprehension of the real nature and organization of the Communist's power structure. Stalin, although holding wide powers, was merely captain of a team (...)

https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP80-00810A006000360009-0.pdf

[–] daggermoon@piefed.world 3 points 8 hours ago (4 children)

I'm trying to keep an open mind but you're telling me i'm supposed to trust the CIA?

[–] Calfpupa@lemmy.ml 10 points 7 hours ago

Think about it this way: the CIA discovered information that they believed to be true and chose to not share it whatsoever because wouldn't fit their narrative instead of, say, finding ways to discredit or disprove said information.

[–] orc_princess@lemmy.ml 7 points 7 hours ago

When judging trustworthiness you need to think whether it advances their agenda or whether it's against their best interest. If the people trying to destroy you believe you're democratic even when publicly saying otherwise, that has to count for something

[–] Jankatarch@lemmy.world 9 points 7 hours ago

Tbf it's declassified.

[–] dessalines@lemmy.ml 8 points 7 hours ago

Intelligence services like the CIA produce two types of info: disinformation (for public dissemination and propaganda), and correct information (usually for internal consumption only, but also occasionally for the public).

This is a declassified internal memo.