By Vidya Bhushan Rawat
Cuba faces one of the biggest challenges to its sovereignty and independence at the moment, as the brutal and repressive economic blockade—violating all international norms and practices—is showing its impact on the tiny island nation. While Donald Trump and his team appear intent on virtually strangulating Cuba for pursuing an independent foreign policy, the rest of the world has largely expressed solidarity. Unfortunately, Europe, including Canada, has shown little interest in protecting Cuba. As far as India is concerned, the less said the better. The foreign policy of the current Indian government is in complete disarray and lacks direction. It remained silent on Venezuela and continues its silence on Cuba, in a predictable pattern. This tame surrender to the US appears aimed at protecting the supreme leadership from being targeted by American media and the so-called “deep state,” known for blackmailing leaders across the Global South.
Cuba is not merely a small Caribbean nation; it is an inspiration for the entire world. We remember how many of us were in awe when President Fidel Castro handed over the baton of the Non-Aligned Movement to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Cuba is not Venezuela; it does not possess vast energy resources, nor does it bomb other countries. Yet it has one of the best educational systems in the world. It sends doctors and medicines abroad. During COVID-19, the world witnessed how Cuba supported international efforts to fight the pandemic. Is it not surprising that a country that speaks of people’s rights is hell-bent on destroying such a nation?
Why is the United States obsessed with Cuba? Is it because the Cuban Revolution built a nation with near-universal literacy? Is it because Cuba’s medical system rivals that of the US, with its doctors in high demand, particularly in the Global South? Is it because Cuba inspired an entire generation of anti-colonial struggles? The answer to all these questions is affirmative. The most powerful nation in the world wants a “democracy” in Cuba that serves its business interests and allows Miami-based transnationals to extend their dominance over the island. In essence, American capitalist-imperialist forces have long been irritated by the Cuban Revolution, which stands as a powerful symbol of resistance against a mighty neighbour. Fidel Castro and Che Guevara were branded as terrorists by American elites, yet they inspired generations across the world.
Cuba was colonized by Spain in 1492 and remained under Spanish rule until 1898. Following the Spanish-American War, it came under US occupation from 1898 to 1902. American elites invested heavily in Cuba, dominating sectors such as sugar plantations, railroads, utilities, and tourism. Havana became a hotspot for American tourists, gamblers, and celebrities. Trade flourished, with Cuba exporting sugar and tobacco to the US, which became its largest market.
On July 26, 1959, the revolution led by Fidel Castro overthrew the US-backed Batista regime. While the US initially recognized the new government, Castro’s nationalization policies antagonized American leadership. The issue was not merely that Castro was a revolutionary or “dictator,” as often portrayed, but that he offered an alternative to a corrupt and exploitative capitalist system.
Castro nationalized oil refineries, sugar plantations, and other industries controlled by US businesses. The US demanded compensation—estimated at $1.7 billion—but Cuba refused. Tensions escalated as Cuba raised taxes on US imports and aligned itself with the Soviet Union. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis further intensified US hostility. Under Castro, Cuba promoted internationalism, supporting revolutionary movements in Latin America and Africa.
The CIA made numerous attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro but failed. Cuba’s survival was aided significantly by Soviet support. The collapse of the Soviet Union dealt a severe blow to the Global South, emboldening Western imperial powers to pursue regime-change operations without UN authorization. Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and Yugoslavia were attacked, their leaders overthrown or killed, while Russia remained too weak to intervene effectively.
For many in India, awareness of the US embargo on Cuba grew during solidarity campaigns in the 1990s. Fidel Castro became a global icon whose speeches inspired anti-colonial struggles and youth movements worldwide. Cuba represented not just opposition to capitalism but also a viable socialist alternative.
In India, communism has often been critiqued for ignoring caste, as much of its leadership emerged from dominant caste backgrounds. It is therefore important to examine Castro’s approach to race in Cuba.
The revolution abolished formal discrimination and institutional racism in 1959. It sought to provide equal access to education, healthcare, and housing for Afro-Cubans and white citizens alike. Afro-Cubans, historically marginalized, benefited significantly from these reforms. However, racial disparities did not disappear entirely, and challenges persist.
The history of Afro-Cubans is deeply tied to slavery introduced by European colonizers. From the early 16th century, enslaved Africans were brought to Cuba to work in mines and plantations. By the 19th century, Cuba had become one of the largest slave societies in the Caribbean. Although slavery was abolished in 1886, racial inequality continued.
Today, Cuba has a population of nearly 11 million, with near-universal literacy. However, it faces severe economic hardship due to the US embargo, which restricts trade, fuel supplies, and access to global markets. The humanitarian consequences are significant, affecting ordinary citizens the most.
Despite this, Cuba remains a symbol of resistance and international solidarity. The narrative of “authoritarianism” often promoted by corporate media obscures Cuba’s achievements in healthcare, education, and social welfare. The embargo imposed by the United States has created a deep humanitarian crisis, including energy shortages and economic stagnation.
It is disappointing that this embargo remains largely unchallenged despite overwhelming opposition at the United Nations. Recent global events, including the devastation in Gaza, highlight the double standards in international politics, where powerful nations act with impunity.
Cuba today stands at a critical juncture. Countries of the Global South—India, Brazil, South Africa, and others—must express stronger solidarity. The Cuban model represents not just socialism but the power of dignity, sovereignty, and international cooperation.
Cuba is more than a country—it is an idea. The fear in Washington is that this idea might spread. While such fears may be exaggerated, they reflect a deeper anxiety about alternative development models.
Despite immense hardships, Cuba continues to endure. It has turned toward renewable energy and continues to invest in human development. The resilience of its people is remarkable.
The question before the world is clear: will we allow yet another regime-change project to unfold, or will we stand in solidarity with a nation that has long symbolized resistance?
Vidya Bhushan Rawat is a social activist and political commentator
23 February 2026
Source: countercurrents.org