So I've read Marx's Das Kapital and the Communist Manifesto and my understanding of Communism is basically a stateless, classes society, right? So how is Stalin, the leader of one of the most state-heavy governments I can think of, considered such a powerful communist leader? I'll admit I don't know much about Lenin but I was under the understanding that Stalin was a follower of Lenin so I'm including him on the question.
(X-Posted on /r/AskScience)
Are you asking why Stalin is considered great or powerful? Because I don't believe there is a general perception that he considered "great" in terms of his adherence to communist ideals.
Im genuinely curious; what are you basing the premise of the question on? The general consensus on Stalin is that he was a brutal dictator which is not exactly synonymous with greatness.
And out of curiosity why the heck would you post this in askscience?