Why Has Cuba Become a Difficult Problem for the Left?

Abstract

Both Cuba and the left—the set of transformative theories and practices that has resisted the expansion of capitalism and the economic, social, political, and cultural relations it has generated—have evolved considerably in the past half century, and the fact that they have evolved in disparate ways has created a difficult problem. Under the current internal conditions, Cuba is no longer a viable solution for the left. The problems it faces, while not insurmountable, will be very difficult to solve. If they are solved within a socialist framework, however, Cuba will be a different Cuba, bringing about a different kind of socialism from the one that failed in the twentieth century and thereby contributing to a renovation of the left that is urgently needed. To bring to fulfillment the ferment of transformation contained in its current political moment, Cuba will need the solidarity of left individuals, organizations, and movements worldwide.