A retired Harvard professor, Jorge I. Dominguez held various roles at the institution, such as chair of the Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, vice provost for International Affairs, and director of the Center for International Affairs. Jorge I. Dominguez has also conducted extensive research on Latin American and Cuban politics.
Cuba has established a distinctive balance of leadership by seamlessly integrating civilian and military authorities. Since their inception in 1959, the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) have played a pivotal role in Cuba’s political landscape. This intricate fusion, known as the “civic soldier” model, intertwines the FAR and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) at all levels of governance.
Military officers, often holding party rank, are not only responsible for defense but also wield influence in political, economic, and managerial spheres. This fusion makes it difficult to discern clear lines of civilian control over the military or vice versa.
Despite experiencing challenges such as reduced resources following the Soviet Union’s collapse and potential corruption in market enterprises, the FAR have successfully maintained their relevance into the 21st century. Superficially, their success lies in this unique fusion of civilian and military leadership, enabling Cuba to maintain stability while pursuing comprehensive societal, economic, and political transformations.