FAR’s Role in Cementing Cuba’s Military and Civilian Leadership

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.

A Summary of the Book Debating US Cuban Relations

Retired professor Dr. Jorge I. Dominguez is a writer and publisher from Center Harbor, New Hampshire. He held the office of former Vice Provost for International Affairs at Harvard University. Also, Dr. Jorge I. Dominguez has co-edited several research articles with colleagues, including the second edition book “Debating U.S.-Cuban Relations: How Should We Now Play Ball?”

The book discusses the relationship between Cuba and the United States becoming looser over time, with Cuba opening up more to outside influences than ever before. A group of experts looked closely at how things have changed between the two countries in recent decades. The group examined past and current conflicts to understand how the issues have evolved. They also considered what might happen going forward.

The updated book discusses six critical aspects of US-Cuban ties today: politics, security, economics, culture/education, the role of Europe, and immigration issues. Cuban and non-Cuban scholars provide different perspectives on each topic. The information gives readers good insights and models open discussion across borders.

According to the author, the future will likely be more complex than the past, with many internal and external factors involved, including new leadership in both countries since 2008. From Raul Castro being Cuba’s president in 2008, and Barack Obama the US president in 2009, to another US president in 2017, and Miguel Diaz-Canal becoming President of the Council of State in 2018, taking over from Raul Castro, and becoming Cuba’s President in 2019. The author notes that with more players involved now, navigating relations will be trickier than before. But understanding these various pieces provides a way to think through what has been happening and what could be.