Why can the role of the Soviet Union in the world socialist movement be seen as contradictory?

Correct answer: It was a source of inspiration and its style of rule was also criticised

A is correct because the Soviet Union occupied two historically significant positions at the same time. Its revolution, claims of economic equality and support for anti-imperialist movements inspired socialist parties, workers and national liberation activists around the world. The existence of a state that claimed to be building socialism also made the idea appear practically possible to many observers. However, the Soviet political system was criticised for one-party control, restrictions on opposition, limits on civil liberties and the concentration of authority. These criticisms created a gap between socialist ideals and the experience of Soviet rule. B is false because the Soviet Union was central to the international socialist movement. C is absurdly narrow, and D ignores its extensive ideological and political influence.