Cuba’s Isolation from Democracy Essay -- International Government

Numerous countries in Latin America have transitioned to more democratically sound political structures in the past forty years. Pressure from within the countries and abroad forced political revolutions that incorporated free elections in order to equally represent citizens that previously had no voice in society. However, with the transformation of other countries occurring, there are dissident entities in Latin American that refuse to comply with the new political migration. One country in particular, which does not have physical geographic connection to Central and South America, fiercely resisted the vociferous call of democracy. That country is Cuba situated ninety miles off the Florida coast and exists as an antithesis to United States democracy. Cuba’s unwillingness to succumb under the United States’ to adopt democratic policies has made it a special case of socialism. A revolution, transition to socialist belief, and increased economic stability have culminate d in a country that appears to be progressing, but stagnant in developing into a functioning political body. The Cuban Revolution, incited after Fidel Castro assumed power in Cuba, aimed to reform most of the policies left behind by Dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro’s successful guerilla operations laid the groundwork for dismantling the Batista regime, and gave the Cuban people a relief from the repressive tactics used by the dictator. Historically, most revolutions take the path of using violence in order to achieve a new order of government. With Batista gone, members of the â€Å"middle class, workers, peasants, foreign investors, the U.S. embassy, and other observes† wondered â€Å"What kind of revolution would this be?† (Skidmore, Smith, & Green, 2010). Castro sough... ...e prime example of what socialism is capable of, and what the desires of larger and more developed countries can cause for countries that wish to remain independent. Castro’s revolution set aside the typical idea of a revolution by focusing on social issues that riddle the country with instability stagnant growth, but placed confidence in the Soviet Union for economic support, contradicting the national need for political independence. Works Cited Eckstein, S. (1986). The Impact of Cuban Revolution: A Comparative Perspective. Comparative Studies in Society and History, 502-534. Skidmore, T. E., Smith, P. H., & Green, J. N. (2010). Modern Latin America. In T. E. Skidmore, P. H. Smith, & J. N. Green. New York, New York: Oxford University Press Inc. UNICEF, World Health Organization, United Nations Population Division and United Nations Statistics Division