Stalin's authority was built on a triad of complete dominance over the party's bureaucratic structure, which allowed him to enforce his policies and eliminate opposition. This control ensured that all party functions aligned strictly with his directives, creating a centralized power system that stifled dissent within the Communist Party.
In addition to his bureaucratic grip, Stalin maintained total control over communication channels, utilizing the Kremlin telephone network as the main hub for disseminating information and directives. Furthermore, he supervised a secret police force, composed of individuals who lived in constant fear, which facilitated surveillance and repression, reinforcing his oppressive regime.