In 1968, somewhat later than in many other Eastern European countries, the Stalin-imposed leader, Antonin Novotny, was succeeded by a figure from the post-Stalin generation, Alexander Dubcek.

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The post-Stalin years had emboldened many of the jury members, who seemed to celebrate the American's win as a small victory of their own against the political establishment.

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To prevent West Germany from formally joining NATO, the post-Stalin Soviet leadership reiterated this offer in 1954 and first proposed the convening of a Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).

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