The absence of Stalin in the the early 1930s could profoundly change the dynamics of WWII. Not only would the Germany-Soviet pact not likely happen but the purges of military commanders in 1937-1938 would also likely not happen. These changes would make the Soviet Union more able to defend itself against Hitler.
Alternatehistoryhub looks at one "What if Stalin Never Came to Power?" scenario, updated in What if Trotsky Came To Power Instead Of Stalin? (Ft: Cypher the Cynical Historian), with Leon Trotsky running the country but it results in an possible Uncle Adolf situation.
References[]
- Weird War II-20