Founded by Feliks Dzierzynski, the Cheka-the Extraordinary Commission-came to life in the first years of the Russian Revolution. Spreading fear in a time of chaos, the Cheka proved a perfect instrument for Stalin's ruthless consolidation of power. But brutal as it was, the Cheka under Dzierzynski was amateurish compared to the well-oiled killing machines that succeeded it. Genrikh Iagoda's OGPU specialized in political assassination, propaganda, and the manipulation of foreign intellectuals. Later, the NKVD recruited a new generation of torturers. Starting in 1938, terror mastermind Lavrenti Beria brought violent repression to a new height of ingenuity and sadism.

Originally published: 2004.

The long road to power -- Stalin, Dzierçzynski, and the Cheka -- The exquisite inquisitor -- Stalin solo -- Iagoda's rise -- Murdering the old guard -- The Ezhov bloodbath -- The rise of Lavrenti Beria -- Hangmen at war -- The gratification of cruelty.