Mao Zedong and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis

Abstract

This article provides an interpretation of Mao Zedong's political strategy during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The connection between the internal and external struggle towards revisionism – launched by Mao in the first half of 1962 to eradicate the critics of the Great Leap Forward from the CCP – was energised by Mao's ability to exploit the opportunities offered by the Cuban crisis. Mao managed to capitalise on Moscow's strained relations in the Caribbean: the propaganda campaign launched within the country to support the Cuban revolution and criticise Soviet revisionism helped Mao to consolidate his political struggle and win over his opponents.