The Cold War in Latin America: Cuba’s agency and its relationship with the Soviet Union between 1962-1969

Abstract

Cuba’s relationship with the Soviet Union has been explored from various perspectives, with many studies emphasizing the asymmetrical nature of the alliance, particularly highlighting Cuba’s dependence on Soviet economic, military, and scientific assistance. This dissertation, employing a postcolonial theoretical framework and the theory of postcolonial agency, examines Cuba’s agency in its relationship with the Soviet Union during the 1960s, a pivotal decade that marked the outset of the alliance. Through an interpretivist methodological approach, this study analyzes primary sources, including speeches, articles, and documents from the period, to assess Cuba’s agency. The research aims to uncover how Cuba’s leadership pursued its own agenda, in opposition to the Soviet Union’s policy of peaceful coexistence in Latin America. During the 1960s, Cuba championed the National Liberation Struggle in Latin America, advocating for guerrilla warfare as a central strategy, which became a cornerstone of its agency. In contrast, the Soviet Union’s foreign policy in the region was rooted in the principle of peaceful coexistence, prioritizing diplomatic cooperation with local governments. These conflicting stances led to significant diplomatic tensions throughout the decade, eventually culminating in a period of reconciliation by the decade’s end.