Would a non-communist Russia necessarily be stronger?

Could being non-communist leave Russia in a worse military position before the Second World War?

Yes. Less forced industrialization could reduce capacity, while avoiding large purges could preserve other strengths; the balance is left open.

A participant challenges any assumption that a different Russian regime would automatically produce a stronger military. The objection is that Stalinist forced industrialization would no longer occur in the same form. The reply accepts the possibility of weaker capacity while allowing for industrial development under another regime. Avoiding the same large purges is then offered as a potential advantage, leaving the overall military balance unresolved.