In chapter six of Stalin’s War by Sean McMeekin, the book demonstrates how powerful the alliance between Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union was. The pact between these two countries eliminated the Hitler’s fear of a two front war, a main factor of Germany’s downfall in World War I, while also giving sufficient enough power for Hitler to begin his invasion into Poland. When Germany invaded Poland, “it took the British and French government two days to respond”(93), as the alliance between Russia and Germany gave the two countries an “obvious advantage” pertaining to their military strength, making any response to the invasion a catalyst for war. Although France and Britain did eventually declare war against Germany, this hesitation highlights the power of alliance in strengthening totalitarian regimes. By joining with like minded nations, totalitarian regimes are able to amplify their power and more efficiently seek power. In the second book of the Lord of the Rings, similar themes of alliances and joining forces are present throughout the novel. In the beginning of book two, The council of Elrond symbolizes different groups joining together to fight off a large totalitarian power, in this case the ring. By coming together, these groups are better able to fight the power of the ring and Sauron; the embodiment of evil and totalitarianism in the book. Although it differs from the example in Stalin’s War as this is good fighting evil rather than vice versa, the theme of creating alliances in times of need is still prevalent. This is not the only time where this theme is present. The temptation of the ring on its bearer is also a clear example of alliance, although this time highlighting the dangers of alliance rather than the benefits. In times of trouble, such as the fight against the black riders where Frodo puts on the ring, the temptation to join with evil forces in an attempt to regain power or solve problems is a common occurrence in history. In cases like this, countries will slowly become more corrupt, trying to fight evil with evil and becoming more like a totalitarian regime.