5oth Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

The most important event in Latin America this year is undoubtedly the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. This revolution, which was as much a nationalist uprising against foreign intervention in Cuban affairs as it was a social and political revolt, has endured since 1959 in the face of continued pressure from the United States and its allies.

Arguably, the biggest threat to the revolution came with the collapse of the Soviet bloc in the 1990s. Consequently, Cuba lost its main economic partner and source of support in international forums such as the UN. Communism's fall also struck a considerable blow against the marxist/leninist ideology that had inspired the leaders of the Revolution such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

The other threat to the Cuban revolution is domestic. Since 1959, there has been constant pressure from dissident groups seeking recognition of their political rights and civil liberties. This has been fiercely resisted by the regime on the grounds that such measures would undermine the revolution. The regime has also accused dissidents of being stooges for the US government and anti-Castro movement in Miami.

Many of the regime's most ardent opponents felt that the hand over of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl that took place in 2006, would fuel calls for political change in Cuba. However, this has proven not to be the case. Since Raul assumed the presidency, he has introduced a number of measures that have proven popular amongst ordinary Cubans such as releasing political prisoners, lifting travel restrictions and increasing access to consumer goods.

What then for the future of Cuba? One interesting area to watch is whether President elect Obama will have any significant impact on US/Cuban relations. Although Obama has expressed his readiness to enter into dialogue with the Cuban regime and lift some of the restrictions on Cuban nationals wishing to enter the US, he appears unwilling to lift the trade embargo that has done so much to harm Cuban economic development since 1959. Consequently, there is likely to be little change to the underlying dynamic of relations between the two countries, which will remain conflictual.

For those of you interested in finding out more about the Cuban Revolution, there is a ‘special report’ on this important event in Latin American history on BBC Mundo. Also, you might try to get to see Che by Steven Soderbergh.