THE BEGINNING OF THE POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY OF YU. V. ANDROPOV: MYTHS AND REALITIES
Authors:   Moscow Humanitarian University, VASILIEV Yu.A. 
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the article is to highlight reliable facts and events related to Yu. V. Andropov - the iconic political figure of Soviet history. This study is based on a complex of new documentary collections from the funds of three archives: the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History, the Russian State Archive of Contemporary History and the National Archive of the Republic of Karelia.
Various methodological approaches are used to study the personality of Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov. Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov was a famous politician and leader of the Soviet Union. Accordingly, a comparative historical analysis is used to study the issue taking into account political decisions, reforms, domestic and foreign policies, as well as its influence on Soviet society and the world political arena. The study of Andropov's personality through his biography, professional path, views, beliefs, work experience in various positions allows to understand his personality and influence on the events of that time. The historical period in which Andropov came to power is taken into account. In determining the features and nature of the development of Soviet society in those years, it is important to conduct a study of his personality in the context of the Soviet era. The methodology of psychological analysis allows us to better understand the personality of a politician, his motives, personal characteristics, character and influence on the decisions he makes. Comparing Andropov's activities with other Soviet leaders and politicians allows to identify his unique features, as well as evaluate his contribution to the development of the country. The use of various methodological approaches allows to explore the role of politics in the history of the Soviet Union and assess his influence on the political processes of that time.
Personality and biography of Yu.V. Andropov as a person and politician are still shrouded in many mysteries and speculations, and is the subject of myth-making. The secrets of power of the future Chairman of the KGB of the USSR and General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee have practically not been studied. The beginning of Andropov's path to power was difficult years. More than once his political career was in jeopardy. And not only a career, but also existence itself.
The authors of many publications about Andropov focus on searching for information of critical content and use contradictory information from unreliable sources. Modern publications often contain dubious interpretations of the military events in which Yu.V. Andropov had to act. This is especially true of the occupied territories of the union Karelo-Finnish Republic, in which Finno-Ugric peoples lived.
The study revealed that the period in Karelia associated with the activities of Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov contributed to his development as a promising politician and gave him valuable experience in the leadership field. Analysis of the events of that time allows us to reveal many aspects of the political career of Yu.V. Andropov in the period from the 1950s to the 1980s.