The “Grey Cardinal”, Mikhail Suslov
Written By: Casey Graham
For almost forty years, Mikhail Andreyevich Suslov remained a relatively unkown figure internationally, but a symbol of Soviet support and leadership in the socialist world. From the late Stalin era to the Brezhnev period, Mikhail Andreyevich remained loyal and committed to the working class, surpassing the commitment of many within the Soviet leadership.
But why would such a seemingly obscure figure be worthy of attention today? Known for his ascetic lifestyle and unwavering attitude, Suslov is a prime example of a devoted Communist worthy of study and emulation. While others lost their way in a wave of revisionism in the Soviet party, he did his utmost to keep the CPSU on the path of Marxism-Leninism. In 2021, we would do well to remember his principled stand as we face challenges from various sources including social-democracy, identity and other non-class politics, “leftist” adventurism and phrase mongering.
Mikhail Suslov was born in 1902 and lived in the impoverished Pavlovsky District where he experienced the harsh realities of the failing Russian Imperial Empire. His early experiences of poverty allowed him to fully understand the struggles of the working class. Suslov was only 15 when the October Revolution occurred, inspiring him to join the struggle for a new Russia. In 1918, Suslov at age 16 joined the local Komsomol and excelled in all fields demonstrating great potential and commitment. In 1921 Mikhail Andreyevish joined the All-Union Communist Party while still a committed teacher at Moscow State University. However, he abandoned teaching in favor of the Party in 1931 and committed entirely to the cause of Soviet socialism.
Mikhail Suslov gained prominence after the Great Patriotic War as he led the resistance against fascist insurgencies in the Baltic states (1). These activities were recognised by the Soviet leadership and Joseph Stalin was particularly pleased with the progress of the young leading Communist. This resulted in Suslov being transferred to Moscow in 1947 and being elected a member of the Politburo – the central executive of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Suslov was also elected to the Central Committee Secretariat, a position he would retain for the rest of his life.
During the power shift following Stalin’s death, Suslov was briefly denounced and subsequently removed from office before being reinstated by new General Secretary Nikita Khrushchev. Suslov made a key mistake failing to defend Stalin or oppose Khrushchev during the revisionist anti-Stalin campaign of the late 1950s. However, Suslov supported and was a key architect in the anti-Khruschchev movement within the party. Using his position and influence, Suslov opposed and exposed Khrushchev’s ideological contradictions and (alongside Leonid Brezhnev) encouraged his removal. After Khrushchev was deposed, Suslov originally declined the offer of the General Secretary’s post and supported the ascension of Brezhnev. During the Brezhnev years is when Suslov truly began to exert his influence. Within the party, Suslov as the secretary of the Central Committee made conscious efforts to lead by example against Party bureaucracy and departure from Marxism-Leninism.
“Suslov took the study of Marxism very seriously making it mandatory for schools to teach scientific socialism to allow students to understand the practical nature of the theory”
His modest behaviour can be seen in the small tales that are still told till this day. For example, it is said that Suslov wore one double breasted coat for the duration of his entire career until Brezhnev jokingly commented, encouraging the Party to purchase him a new one. Suslov refused to accept gifts in connection with his Party work as well as refusing to engage in what was classified as temptations such as alcohol, smoking and an indulgent lifestyle generally.
Suslov lived in a small state-provided apartment in Moscow and upon returning from international journeys he would return the currency to the cash desk of the Kremlin. His demeanor, as described by most, was to be very committed to his work, punctual and unwaveringly faithful to the clear Marxist-Leninist line. Unfortunately, many in the CPSU, including Brezhnev, did not demonstrate the single-minded devotion of Suslov. This was a period of stagnation and personal material ambition among the leadership.
Aside from his personal modesties, his work within the Soviet Union proved to be for the better than the worse. Suslov took the study of Marxism very seriously making it mandatory for schools to teach scientific socialism to allow students to understand the practical nature of the theory. Suslov worked endlessly to root out fascist insurgencies and western plots that would disrupt the progress of Soviet socialism.
Suslov, with a keen eye, attempted and succeeded in many nations within the Warsaw Pact to suppress nationalist sentiments. He played a key role in the quelling of the Hungarian counter-revolution, the so-called Prague Spring and the counter-revolutionary “solidarity movement” in Poland.
Suslov may have unsuccessfully mobilised to derail the rising revisionist forces within the USSR, however he played a key role in the Soviet leadership for over four decades and led by example in his every day-to-day activity. Devoting himself to the cause and immersing himself within the studies of Marx, Engels and Lenin, Suslov is a good historical example of how to apply our ideology to the tasks at