The Long Itinerary to Normalization: The Cuban – Latin American Relations

Abstract

After its Revolution Cuba was forced into a Latin American and Caribbean diplomatic quarantine by the United States. In the 1960s, Cuba’s relations with the region were basically characterized by its support to insurgency and guerrilla movements. In the 1970s, Cuba overcame its isolation by normalizing relations in Latin America and with the newly independent Caribbean island-states. Support to the Armed Left was only given in the case of civil war against dictatorships; Cuba also assisted in building national umbrella organizations of insurgent movements. After 1985-1989 it used its Soft Power (medical brigades and facilities, literacy and post-disaster reconstruction teams), and its goods offices during peace negotiations to become a much-respected country in the region. During the government of Raúl Castro economic and political reforms were initiated while a rapport with the Catholic episcopate was established. It contributed in facilitating with success the decades-long negotiations with the United States about normalizing relations. A substantial part of this article is based on new and recent interviews with numerous Cuban key actors.