So I’m imagining a world where the Soviet Union never fell, perhaps even achieved some semblance of economic prosperity which would prevent its fall. Who would be the best leader to succeed Stalin to achieve this? I originally thought extending Khrushchev’s reforms by having Nixon defeat Kennedy and avert the Cuban Missile Crisis would do this, but it seems Khrushchev did a lot of harm, perhaps more than good. Malenkov seems like an attractive pick but I don’t know how he would have retained power. Mikoyan seems very interesting but I don’t know how he would achieve power either. Overall who is the best leader for the USSR after Stalin, preferably a leader who focuses on improving the economy, consumer goods, and standards of living for citizens of the Soviet Union and eastern bloc?