The distinction between Communists and “tankies” doesn’t really matter at this point because the label of “tankie” is applied to every Communist these days, even Anarchists and progressive liberals. It’s generally a term without meaning. Either way, though, Communists don’t “love strongmen,” that’s more of a post-hoc explanation liberals come up with to denounce Communist movements, ie “Che Geuvara is a strongman, that’s why Communists support Cuba” etc. etc.

You should read the book too.