"Stalin's Ghost" refers to the lingering influence and legacy of Joseph Stalin, the former leader of the Soviet Union. Even after his death in 1953, his policies and authoritarian rule continued to shape the political landscape of Russia and the broader Soviet Union. The term symbolizes the way his ideas and practices still haunt contemporary discussions about governance and power. The phrase is often used to describe the resurgence of totalitarianism and state control in Russia under leaders like Vladimir Putin. Critics argue that elements of Stalin's oppressive tactics, such as censorship and political repression, have re-emerged, prompting fears of a return to a more authoritarian regime.