Final answer:
The only way of ensuring lasting peace, according to Soviet leaders, was by replacing capitalist elites with a global classless society, in adherence to communist and Marxist ideologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Soviet leadership, the only way of ensuring a lasting peace in the world was through a revolution replacing capitalist elites with a global classless society. This view was rooted in Marxist ideology, which posited a conflict between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, and the belief that peace could only be achieved by eliminating class differences through the establishment of communism. The Soviets aimed to protect themselves and expand their influence by encouraging communist revolutions globally and by creating a buffer zone of friendly communist states, especially in Eastern Europe.