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A Bulwark of Socialism
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13845 |
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CURRENT ISSUES
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12 / 1988 |
3,539 Words |
| Author
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Jaime Suchlicki
Jaime Suchlicki is professor of history and director of the
Institute of Interamerican Studies at the Graduate School of
International Studies, University of Miami. He is the author
of numerous books and articles on Latin America and Cuba, the
most recent of which is Cuba: from Columbus to Castro. |
On its 30th anniversary, the Cuban revolution has reached a critical stage. Internally, persistent structural problems in the economy, low prices for Cuba's export products, and an inability to break away from economic dependency on the Soviet bloc are forcing a reexamination of basic goals. The deepening economic crisis has produced a new frenzy of planning activity and greater regimentation in the hope of stimulating productivity. While rejecting perestroika and glasnost, Fidel Castro has returned to the failed paths of the past, insisting that Cubans should work harder, sacrifice more, and expect less in the years ahead. Pessimism and cynicism have replaced revolutionary fervor. For the foreseeable future, Cubans can expect more austerity—with greater food and consumer goods rationing—and therefore harder times.
Externally, Castro remains a willing ally of the Soviet Union. While frictions have developed since Mikhail Gorbachev's assumption of power, the Soviet Union's influence on the conduct of Cuba's foreign policy remains strong, and Cuba's solidarity with the Soviets is one of the cornerstones of Cuba's foreign policy. Without abandoning his commitment to anti-Americanism and internationalism, Castro has become more selective in supporting revolutionary groups in Latin America and elsewhere. He has expanded ties with the new Latin American democracies and has tried to project a statesmanlike image. He also seems willing to negotiate a solution to the Angolan conflict on his own terms, while expanding Cuba's military presence and commitment in that country.
Mild overtures from Castro toward the United States are encouraging those in this country who believe it is time for a rapprochement with Cuba. As he has in the
... (1996 of 22579 Characters)
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