- by Graham Holton
- The Guardian
- Issue #2200
Australia Cuba Friendship Society Melbourne
The US State Department’s Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism, falsely presents Cuba as the principal ideological and organisational centre of communist and anti-American activity, extending Cuba’s influence far beyond its actual size or economy.
The report’s findings have been strongly challenged by scholars of Cuba, Latin America, intelligence studies, as well as civil liberties advocates. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has characterised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s campaign as a new form of McCarthyism.
The report interprets current politics through a Cold War lens. All Cuban activity is framed as the product of an expansionist communist ideology, instead of responses to local issues. For example, Cuba’s support for socialist or anti-imperialist policies in Latin America is because of economic inequality, dissatisfaction with previous governments, and local political traditions.
The report’s findings are not supported by clearly established facts, intelligence assessments, or careful analytical judgements. Nor does it compare evidence against competing interpretations. Cuba is depicted as the central organiser of a global communist movement, with independent left-wing organisations operating as extensions of Cuban foreign policy. In truth, social and labour movements are driven by local political and economic conditions.
While Cuba does play an important symbolic role for some left-wing movements, it is severely limited by its small population of under 11 million and battered economy. Cuba has no significant overseas military presence.
The report accuses Cuba of influencing the protests following George Floyd’s death, and pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. It names organisations such as the Democratic Socialists of America, the National Network on Cuba, the Communist Party USA, CODEPINK, Black Alliance for Peace, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, as under Cuba’s direct influence. It singles out Amazon Labor Union founder Chris Smalls, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and journalist Amy Goodman of PBS, as under its influence. This list shows who will be targeted by the Trump administration.
Trade unions, peace organisations, academic groups, and solidarity campaign are as sympathetic to Havana. Really, they’re against unjust US sanctions. Shared political goals do not establish organisational command. Cuba actively promotes its political model through diplomacy, education, and international exchanges.
This attack on Cuba contrasts strongly with how Marco Rubio is treating pro-Israel political power and lobbying. Haley Fuller of Mititary.com writes that the report: “resists applying similar scrutiny to enormous political expenditures, legislative campaigns and direct pressure associated with US policy toward Israel.”
