Both leaders were fully aware of problems at home and abroad and were keen to introduce important changes. They both wanted to introduce reform and new international policies. They had a need to bring the USSR out of its rigid way of life and make it into an international super power. When both of these leaders came to power there were a number of serious problems they had to deal with, such as low standards of living of the working class and the inefficiency of agriculture and the still ongoing issues of the Cold War.

Khrushchev came to power in 1956. There had been no clear successor of Stalin and Khrushchev came into power the same way Stalin had: by filling key positions with his supporters. What secured Khrushchev in his position was the destalinisation speech he delivered at the twentieth communist party congress.

At home Khrushchev was aware...