An examination of Cuba's government, judging its performance against the goals of socialism. Shows the increasing relevance of the Cuban example.
Politics in Cuba have long been analysed as a 'socialist experiment', from the perspective of internal dynamics or international relations, but what if the revolutionary process is part of a counter-current against neoliberal globalisation?
Rather than presenting Cuba as a socialist survivor, whose performance must be measured against the standards set by the 'international community', George Lambie judges Cuban socialism on the goals that the revolution sets for itself. He shows that despite Cuba's isolation in the 'New World Order', and the enormous pressures it has faced to 'conform', its faith in an alternative socialist project has continued and grown.
After the 2008 financial crash, we have seen neoliberalism's fallibility first-hand, conversely Cuba's promotion of socialist values has a renewed relevance. Lambie argues that Cuba is again becoming a symbol, and practical example, of socialism in action.
About the Author
George Lambie is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Public Policy at De Montfort University in Leicester. He is the author of The Cuban Revolution in the 21st Century (Pluto, 2010). He is Visiting Professor of the University of Havana and joint-Editor of the International Journal of Cuban Studies.
What People Are Saying
"A significant contribution to debates over the future of Cuban socialism. Highly Recommended." CHOICE
"A refreshing study on one of the most significant attempts of our age to chart an alternative course of development." Professor William I. Robinson, University of California, author of Latin America and Global Capitalism (2008)
"The Cuban revolution continues to divide and confuse in Latin America as elsewhere, not least because it is set against absolute measures of what a 'true' socialist country should look like. George Lambie instead assesses Cuba at a key point in its history from the point of view of its own standards and objectives. A must read." Professor Ronaldo Munck, City University of Dublin and author of Contemporary Latin America (2008)
“How the Cuban revolution survived the fall of Communism is a question that continues to challenge social scientists across the globe. Lambie goes beyond the specifics of the island and its internal situation, and posits the question in the context of the wider world. His analysis is unique and essential not just for students of Cuba, but anyone wishing to understand the global order and the roots of the current crisis." Dr Stephen Wilkinson, Director Centre for Caribbean and Latin American Research and Consultancy, London Metropolitan University
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Globalisation: Understanding the Rationale for an Alternative
2. Western Liberal Democracy: Definitions, Ideology and Alternatives
3. The Cuban Revolution: Building a Participatory Democratic Process
4. The Revolution in Crisis
5. Defending Socialism against Global Capitalism. Internal Dynamics and External Opportunities
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index