Stopped reading right there. This premise violates "henkster's Law of Alternate History." Henkster's Law states that an alternate history is not valid if it requires people or nations to act substantially out of character. In this scenario, it requires Stalin to not be Stalin. Therefore, it isn't valid.
There are no smart Communists.
A somewhat more plausible variation would be Stalin killed/toppled in a Coup before WW2.
It’s comforting that we can rely on you to enforce your very sensible and important Law. You’re our Consistency Sheriff.
I agree. Stalin got where he was *because* he was a ruthless, paranoid, murdering psychopath. He wouldn’t have abandoned what had worked so well for him.
Thanks! Henksters’ Law saved me some time during a busy time of year!