Losing Cuba, the global trickster | Opinions
U.S. Focus on Cuba Escalates Amid Regional Turmoil
Cuba is once more attracting the attention of the United States as military activities reportedly increase in the surrounding region. Following recent U.S. operations in Venezuela, officials in Washington have expressed a desire for “Cuba to be free,” hinting at a potentially similar approach towards the Caribbean nation.
While the timeline and specifics of any U.S. actions against Cuba remain uncertain, there are signals suggesting that the Cuban Revolution, which has lasted over six decades, may be approaching its conclusion. This situation prompts a reevaluation of Cuba’s substantial influence on the global stage despite its population of just 10 million.
Cuba’s historical role in geopolitics can be analogized to Eshu, a significant figure in Santería derived from Yoruba traditions. Eshu embodies a messenger spirit, responsible for navigating between past and future, and is often depicted as a trickster figure who challenges established norms and highlights hidden truths.
Cuba’s history as a “trickster” against U.S. dominance first became evident shortly after Fidel Castro came to power. In September 1960, Castro addressed the United Nations General Assembly, but faced refusal from several New York hotels to accommodate his delegation due to Cold War tensions. Undeterred, he moved to Harlem, where his presence at the Hotel Theresa garnered international media attention. Castro drew parallels between the experiences of his delegation and those of African Americans facing segregation, striking a chord during the burgeoning civil rights movement.
In subsequent years, Cuba developed a foreign policy centered on Cuban Internationalism, contrasting U.S. soft power initiatives like the Peace Corps and USAID. The Cuban government dispatched approximately 400,000 medical professionals to 164 countries, building goodwill in the Global South. Nations such as Venezuela, South Africa, and Vietnam recognize figures like Castro and Che Guevara alongside their own national heroes, often viewing American leaders with less favorable perspectives.
Cuba also achieved notable military successes, including the defeat of the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles in 1961. The Cuban military’s involvement in Angola from 1975 to 1991 played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid and aligned with the Palestinian liberation movement, providing a stark contrast to U.S. support for Israel and South African apartheid forces.
Through years of diplomatic isolation and severe economic sanctions imposed by the United States, Cuba has managed to endure. The embargo, which has become the longest in history, has been intensified at various points, notably after the Soviet Union’s collapse. Despite these challenges, Cuba adapted by diversifying its economy and engaging with other nations, while achieving a sustainable agricultural transformation.
However, Cuba’s achievements are tempered by continuing repression of political rights. Freedom of speech and access to information are restricted, and dissent has faced violent suppression, leading many critics to label the Cuban regime as authoritarian.
In contemporary America, there are concerns regarding a rise in unfreedoms, including corruption, attacks on democratic institutions, and limitations on civil liberties. As the U.S. grapples with these issues, some observers note parallels between its internal struggles and Cuba’s governance.
With U.S. intentions towards Cuba intensifying and conditions on the island deteriorating, the future of the Cuban Revolution appears uncertain. The prospect of its collapse invites reflection on the implications for not just Cuba, but also the global balance of power and the potential return to unchecked authoritarianism.
If the revolution indeed falls, reactions will be mixed. While celebrations may erupt in places like Miami, others will mourn the loss of an alternative vision represented by the Cuban experience, irrespective of its shortcomings. As Cuba’s place in history hangs in the balance, the lessons of resilience and defiance against dominance could resonate far beyond its shores.
