What if the Russian Revolution had taken a different turn, right at its most critical juncture? Picture a world where Vladimir Lenin never returned to Russia in 1917. This episode embarks on a compelling exploration of this alternate military history, painting a vivid picture of a nation on the brink during World War I. Through the eyes of a soldier in the trenches and a mother in a bread line, we experience the palpable desperation and exhaustion that gripped Russian society at the time.

Without Lenin's return, the balance of political power might have shifted towards more moderate factions such as the Mensheviks and Socialist Revolutionaries. Imagine Alexander Kerensky's provisional government gaining the stability needed to implement reforms, potentially avoiding the devastation of civil war. We consider Trotsky's possible coalition approach, fostering cooperation instead of conflict—a scenario that could reshape not only Russian politics but also the global landscape.

Our journey doesn't stop at Russia's borders. Envision a 20th century where a moderate socialist Russia collaborates with Western democracies, replacing Cold War tensions with economic growth and unity. What could a pan-European security system inclusive of Russia look like? How might the United Nations evolve in such a cooperative international environment? This episode challenges us to rethink history's trajectory, considering a world where societies prioritize domestic welfare and cultural harmony over ideological standoffs. Join us for this thought-provoking exploration of what might have been, and reflect on the profound impact of one man's absence on the course of history.

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