Rise to Power and Corruption

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Cuba continued to prevail even after relations between the Soviet Union crumbled and the United States’ trade embargo.[19] Communism was different in Cuba than in other European nations. People in Cuba understood the communism was reversible evidenced by the collapse of other nations yet, Cubans have supported their regime because they made differentiated judgments about its performance.[20] They understood its many failings but could also see its successes. What was equally important, was that Cubans were able to voice the criticism of government policies.[21] Unlike other communist countries, Cuba’s government not only permitted but encouraged forms of complaints to expose corruption and mismanagement. Not only has the regime allowed citizens to criticize their government but also have replied for vital public support by honoring important promises to its citizens. Also many Cubans do not praise their nation for the nationalism of communism, but rather for the people that represent them, regardless of political party. Cubans have many disagreements with some policies if Cuba, sparking opposition, but communism has survived in Cuba because many but not all of Cuba’s policies are inept.[22] Cuba has also learned lessons from other European nations, lesson one: undertake as few political reforms as possible because reform would ultimately undermine the regime. Lesson two: get rid of deadwood in the party early on, before you are forced to do so. Lesson three: deal harshly with potential or evident disloyalty. By following these guidelines, Cuba has avoided the common demise of similar nations. Castro has also increased steps to broaden the appeal of the regime by trying to eliminate discrimination.[23] With a common agreement between Castro and Cuban citizens, that is the transition to capitalism is long and painful, communism has survived in Cuba. Reformist concessions have no end and critics and opponents demand more and will never be satisfied though.[24] Castro has adjusted to the collapse of his communist partners by dramatically lowering Cuba's standard of living, meaning to preserve, proud and poor.[25] The state remains strongly repressive but is now assisted by illegal markets that have enabled Cubans to adjust to economic decline.

The Cuban Revolution was a number of conflicts between oppressive governments and its’ citizens. Castro, a lawyer turned revolutionary, was able to assume control of the island by guaranteeing free elections and a new constitution even though many citizens did not want radical changes. Though life in Cuba seemed to worsen, from the lack of Soviet support, Castro and his government have remained in power in part of the policies enacted by Castro. Citizens were able to voice their opinions to expose malperforming services, mismanagement, and government corruption. Though other Communist Nations have been erased, Cuba has remained. Through the freedoms and black markets Castro instated, Castro was able to assume and keep power while also keeping his nation alive.

Works Cited:

Aviva Chomsky. A history of the Cuban Revolution. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell 2011

Dominguez, Jorge. "The Secret of Castro's Staying Power." Proquest.com. September 1, 1993. Accessed February 19, 2015.

DePalma, Anthony. "1959: THE CUBAN REVOLUTION." Proquest.com. September 1, 2008. Accessed February 15, 2015.

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