What position did Joseph Stalin hold in the Soviet Union?

Joseph Stalin held the position of a longtime dictator in the Soviet Union, a role he assumed after Lenin's death in 1924 and maintained until his own death in 1953. During his rule, Stalin centralized power to an unprecedented degree, implementing policies that transformed the Soviet Union into a major world power through extensive industrialization and collectivization, albeit at great human cost. His governance was characterized by widespread purges, repression, and a cult of personality, solidifying his status as a totalitarian leader.

While he did have roles similar to those of a head of government, such as General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, his overarching control and authoritarian rule define him as a dictator rather than a prime minister or any of the other less authoritative titles. This consolidation of power and his lasting impact on both Soviet society and international relations underscore why identifying him as a longtime dictator is the most accurate characterization of his position within the Soviet Union.