Cuba A Bright Future Essay Research Paper

Cuba- A Bright Future Essay, Research Paper

CUBA: A Bright Future

Introduction:

On first glance, Cuba is not what it seams. One might think of the island simply as the last bastion of Communism in an increasingly democratic and capitalistic world. This is increasingly untrue, and can no longer be considered a fact. It is true, however that in the past Cuba has gone to great lengths to make itself isolated, this was simply a tactic to ensure that their unique society was not diluted by any outsider influence, especially American. The result of this political behaviour has often meant nothing but pain and strife for the Cuban people. Lately though, they have been loosening their leash, and have allowed for some more breathing room. No where else is this more clear than in the expanding tourist industry that now dominates much of the island and it s economy.

Political Development:

The political future of the small country has been uncertain since the first Europeans landed on the island in 1492, along with the now famous Columbus. Indeed, for the first several years, even the name of the island itself changed frequently before eventually settling on Cuba ( which originates from the local name Cubanascnan). The title to the island bounced back and forth as well. First from Spain, then to England after the seven year war, then back to Spain, and eventually to the sovereign country that it is today. During the Batista years ( 1952-1959 ), life for the islanders was repressive and conditions pour. Initially Batista was merely interested in cowtoeing to the American investors and tourists that flocked to the island, but he gradually developed his own personal political schedule. Finally Batista was overthrown after several years of struggling with the likes of Fidel Castro and His many guerrilla supporters. Once in a position of power, Castro immediately seized control of the island and began to instate the basics of communism. It seamed with this that at last Cuba had a future. Indeed, Castro was more than a Communist puppet, he was a figurehead of the Cuban people and a political visionary. What he did for the island was completely unselfish in it s routs. He abolished racism on the island, and gave even the poorest of peasants the opportunity at a university education. It is impossible to decipher an image of the Cuban government simply from looking at such Communist counterparts a s China. China is an extreme case of Communism, Cuba on the other hand is more lenient in it s views. In fact, Cuba is developing quite the keen business sense. Some say the island is even flourishing, and even has the opportunity to do better.

Though, today this relative security and political stability is beginning to falter. Fidel is not the young mountain guerrilla that once was, and is reaching an age where many are beginning to question his health. What will the future hold for Cuba? No one knows for sure, but it isn t inconceivable that Cuba s present form of Communism won t carry on after Castro s gone. Few people on the island have anything but the greatest respect for him, at least they say this is so. However, the American government is certain that there is enough pro-Americanism on the island that it could eventually revert back to it s former role as a protectorate of the States once Castro is gone. Maybe even a state. Thus far the political future is once again uncertain.

Foreign Policy:

When Batista was in control of the government, the foreign policy, to a point seemed to be “Go with whatever the Americans think is best.” This position changed as the governments agenda changed, and it wasn t long before Batista annoyed the Americans to such a point that the realized that he wasn t worth the fuss. They supported Castro in his efforts to take control of Cuba, believing that any change would be for the better, and that Castro would be so grateful, that they would essentially have him in their pocket. Things couldn t have gone more off course than they did, and once the cold war got reacted up, they certainly were kicking themselves. Cuba began developing strong ties with the USSR, and from that gained weapons and technology. How they used this technology was still up to them, since they were in such a key position, the USSR likely considered them a valuable commodity. No doubt Cuba used this fact to play Russia for all it was worth. Back to the use of the economic support provided by the USSR, Cuba used it as it liked. Throughout it s golden years, Cuba supported numerous political uprisings all over the globe. This point is clearest specially in Africa, since fair portion of the population is of African descent, there was strong sympathy for the African situation in particular. Also, Cuba was a focal point for the mass training of revolutionaries to fight effectively with guerrilla warfare. Who better to teach it than the Cubans who only years before had been doing the same. since loosing it s support from the USSR, such programs have been cut back significantly, and instead, Cuba does training of a different sort. Cuba has, for an island of it s size and political strength, a fair number of trained professionals and institutions of higher learning. Today, Cuba brings in students from all over, but specifically ones from Communist China and many of the surrounding islands.

Economy:

Throughout the fifties, Cub