Leon Trotsky, a prominent leader in the Bolshevik Revolution and a key architect of Soviet communism, was expelled to Alma-Ata (now Almaty, Kazakhstan) as part of Joseph Stalin's efforts to eliminate his political rivals. Trotsky had been a vocal opponent of Stalin's policies and was seen as a significant threat to Stalin's consolidation of power. Following the defeat of Trotsky's followers in internal party struggles, Stalin's government decided to exile him to prevent his influence from growing.

Alma-Ata was a strategic choice for exile; being geographically remote and relatively isolated made it difficult for Trotsky to gather support or engage with international socialist movements. This decision represented a turning point in Soviet politics, as it marked the beginning of the end for Trotsky's political career and the firm establishment of Stalin's regime. The period leading up to Trotsky's exile had been tense, with various factions within the Communist Party vying for control, and Trotsky's expulsion signified the increasing authoritarian nature of Stalin's leadership.

During his time in Alma-Ata, Trotsky continued to write and organize opposition against Stalin, despite the restrictions imposed upon him. He used his exile as a platform to articulate his criticisms of Stalin's policies, particularly his abandonment of international revolution in favor of 'socialism in one country.' Trotsky's writings during this period would later influence various leftist movements worldwide. His exile was, therefore, not merely a termination of political power but also an evolution of his ideological battle against Stalinist practices, framing a discourse that would persist in socialist thought for years to come.