The Synonymity of Instruments of Control with Social and Political Change in the Soviet

The Synonymity of Instruments of Control with Social and Political Change in the Soviet
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Introduction
As part of the de-Stalinization period in 1953, at the time when Khrushchev climbed to power, the Special Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR was abolished. It was part of the effort to dismantle Stalin’s machinery of coercion; an instrument of control that allowed Stalin to reign over dissent and quash political opponents. Such instruments of control, whether disguised or openly operational, are tools embedded within the constitution with a leeway over the human and constitutional rights of individuals to serve the purpose of those in power. Whenever there is a regime change, these instruments of control may encounter a variety fates: abolition, reorganization or restructuring. Whichever way, the interests of the new regime must be served with little or no regard to the most vulnerable citizens.[Gorlizki, Yoram. 2003. "Policing Post-Stalin Society. The militsiia and Public Order under Khrushchev." JSTOR 465-480.]
The Special Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the USSR
As part of the abolishment of the MVD, the Presidium of the of the USSR Supreme Soviet resolved that the USSR procuracy would listen to complaints and appeals for revision of sentences, shorter terms of sentences, early releases, and annulment of convictions, brought by those convicted by the OGPU collegia, NKVD/UNKVD troikas and the Special Council. In essence, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR publicly repealed the special procedure and consequently eliminated the jurisdiction of the military court over political crimes (except espionage) committed by civilians. These events occurred during the transition from Stalin to Khrushchev era. For many, both foreign and locals, the move would be perceived as a good step away from the machinery of control that Stalin has established to ensure the success of his dictatorial grip on the Soviet Union.[Bermant, Harold J. 1957. "SOVIET LAW REFORM-DATELINE MOSCOW 1957." The Yale Law Journal.]
The Need for Social, Political, and Public Order
However, as noted by Gorlizki, the reorganization presented the new regime with considerable administrative costs while leaving the unaffected the basic constraints impinging on key players within the system. As a by-product of high-level conflicts, Khrushchev’s changes were met with resistance both within the government and on the streets. Within the streets, social and public order were under threat and their impact would cripple the political order that was at risk of collapsing within the government. Therefore, in abolishing Stalin’s key instrument of control, Khrushchev needed an instrument of control under the notion of ‘public order’1. In essence, anew form of instrument of control was born in the disguise of the Soviet police or the Soviet militsiia whose aim was to bring and maintain public order.[Gorlizki, Yoram . 1996. "Anti-Ministerialism and the USSR Ministry of Justice, 1953-56: A Study in Organisational Decline." Europe-Asia Studies 1279-1318.]
The Need for the Militia
The new lea...