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The Declarations of Havana (Revolutions) (Revolutions Series) by Tariq Ali, Fidel Castro (2008) Paperback
In response to the American administration's attempt to isolate Cuba, Fidel Castro delivered a series of speeches designed to radicalize Latin American society. As Latin America experiences more revolutions in Venezuela and Bolivia, and continues to upset America's plans for neo-liberal imperialism, renowned radical writer and activist Tariq Ali provides a searing analysis of the relevance of Castro's message for today.Each book in the dazzling Revolutions series features classic texts by key historical figures. Each set of texts took center-stage during a period of revolution, incendiary words that roused populations to insurrection. Major contemporary radical writers introduce each book, discovering that the words still have the power to inspire, to provoke and maybe to ignite new revolutions...
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First published September 8, 2007
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About the author
Fidel Castro
574 books284 followersCuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro overthrew the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959, established a Communist state, served as prime minister until 1976 and then as president of the government and first secretary of the party, in declining health passed control de facto in 2006 to Raúl Castro, his younger brother, and officially retired in 2008.
Fidel Castro led a revolutionary movement that overthrew corrupt authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar on New Year's Day, 1 January 1959.
Raúl Castro assisted Fidel Castro, his brother, in overthrowing the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959.
United States in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro trained a force of 1,500 guerrilla troops, who landed at Bay of Pigs, the site, in an ill-fated invasion on 17 April 1961.
Castro, the illegitimate son of a wealthy farmer, adopted leftist anti-imperialist politics and meanwhile studied law at the University of Havana. He participated in rebellions against right wing in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, afterward failed in an attack on the barracks of Moncada, planned against the military junta, which the United States of America backed, and served imprisonment for a year in 1953. On release, he went to Mexico, formed the movement of 26 July as a group with Ernesto Guevara, his friend and doctor.
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, a politician, also served as the commander in chief of the armed forces. This politically Marxist-Leninist administered the socialist republic. People nationalized industry and businesses and implemented socialist reforms in all parts of society. Castro returned, ousted rivals in 1959, and brought his own assumption of military and political power.
Credentials of Castro and cordial relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics alarmed the Administrations of Dwight David Eisenhower and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who unsuccessfully attempted economic blockade, assassination, and even the invasion at Bay of Pigs of 1961 to remove him. In 1961, Castro proclaimed the socialist nature of his administration under rule of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The press and suppression of internal dissent accompanied socialist reforms that introduced central economic planning and expanded care and education.
Castro countered these threats, formed an economic and military alliance with the Soviets, allowed them to place nuclear weapons on the island, and thus sparked sparking the missile crisis in 1962.
Internationally, Castro also served as general of the nonaligned movement from 1979 to 1983.
Abroad, Castro supported foreign groups in the expectation of toppling world capitalism, sent troops to fight in the wars of Yom Kippur, Ogaden, and Angola.
Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991, Castro went into economic "special period" and afterward forged alliances in the Latin American pink tide, namely with Venezuela of Hugo Chávez, and joined the Bolivarian alliance in 2006.
Due to failing, Castro in 2006 transferred his responsibilities to his vice, who assumed in 2008.
Supporters lauded Castro, a controversial and divisive world figure, as a champion of socialism, humanitarianism, and environmentalism against imperialism; critics viewed him as a dictator, who oversaw multiple rights abuses, an exodus of more than a million persons, and the impoverishment of the economy of the country. Through actions and writings, he significantly influenced the politics of various individuals and groups across the world.
Fidel Castro led a revolutionary movement that overthrew corrupt authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar on New Year's Day, 1 January 1959.
Raúl Castro assisted Fidel Castro, his brother, in overthrowing the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959.
United States in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro trained a force of 1,500 guerrilla troops, who landed at Bay of Pigs, the site, in an ill-fated invasion on 17 April 1961.
Castro, the illegitimate son of a wealthy farmer, adopted leftist anti-imperialist politics and meanwhile studied law at the University of Havana. He participated in rebellions against right wing in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, afterward failed in an attack on the barracks of Moncada, planned against the military junta, which the United States of America backed, and served imprisonment for a year in 1953. On release, he went to Mexico, formed the movement of 26 July as a group with Ernesto Guevara, his friend and doctor.
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, a politician, also served as the commander in chief of the armed forces. This politically Marxist-Leninist administered the socialist republic. People nationalized industry and businesses and implemented socialist reforms in all parts of society. Castro returned, ousted rivals in 1959, and brought his own assumption of military and political power.
Credentials of Castro and cordial relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics alarmed the Administrations of Dwight David Eisenhower and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who unsuccessfully attempted economic blockade, assassination, and even the invasion at Bay of Pigs of 1961 to remove him. In 1961, Castro proclaimed the socialist nature of his administration under rule of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The press and suppression of internal dissent accompanied socialist reforms that introduced central economic planning and expanded care and education.
Castro countered these threats, formed an economic and military alliance with the Soviets, allowed them to place nuclear weapons on the island, and thus sparked sparking the missile crisis in 1962.
Internationally, Castro also served as general of the nonaligned movement from 1979 to 1983.
Abroad, Castro supported foreign groups in the expectation of toppling world capitalism, sent troops to fight in the wars of Yom Kippur, Ogaden, and Angola.
Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991, Castro went into economic "special period" and afterward forged alliances in the Latin American pink tide, namely with Venezuela of Hugo Chávez, and joined the Bolivarian alliance in 2006.
Due to failing, Castro in 2006 transferred his responsibilities to his vice, who assumed in 2008.
Supporters lauded Castro, a controversial and divisive world figure, as a champion of socialism, humanitarianism, and environmentalism against imperialism; critics viewed him as a dictator, who oversaw multiple rights abuses, an exodus of more than a million persons, and the impoverishment of the economy of the country. Through actions and writings, he significantly influenced the politics of various individuals and groups across the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 30, 2019
Castro's words are vivid and potent, one can sense the need for the revolution from them
April 29, 2021
Castro is an eloquent writer and speaker, and his arguments (both legal and moral) are an impassioned plea for Cubans to rise up against the chains of US imperialism, which were far crueler and insidious than those of Spain's rule. Ali's notes do a great job of providing economic, social, and historical context for many of Castro's remarks, and I would highly recommend not skipping them as you read. All in all, I learned a great deal about the Cuban revolution(s) and the various ways that US foreign policy exercised a stranglehold over Cuban farmers and workers throughout various stages of history.
July 19, 2018
“A revolution is not a bed of roses. A revolution is a struggle between the future and the past.”
“When we speak of the people we do not mean to comfortable ones, the conservative element of the nation, who welcome any regime of oppression, any dictator, any despotism, prostrating them sells before the master of the moment until they grind their forehead to the ground.”
“We are ready! Cuba will not fail. Cuba is here today to proclaim before Latin America and the world it’s historic and unchangeable resolution: Our country or death!”
“Whether this takes place peacefully or in painful birth is not depend on the revolution us, it depends on the reactionary forces of the old society, who resist the birth of the new society, engendering by the contradictions carried in the womb of the old society.”
“When we speak of the people we do not mean to comfortable ones, the conservative element of the nation, who welcome any regime of oppression, any dictator, any despotism, prostrating them sells before the master of the moment until they grind their forehead to the ground.”
“We are ready! Cuba will not fail. Cuba is here today to proclaim before Latin America and the world it’s historic and unchangeable resolution: Our country or death!”
“Whether this takes place peacefully or in painful birth is not depend on the revolution us, it depends on the reactionary forces of the old society, who resist the birth of the new society, engendering by the contradictions carried in the womb of the old society.”
July 16, 2017
This series by Verso looks nice, and serves as an excellent example of publisher capitalism. After all, why would you buy these speeches when they are also available for free online? While the speeches are interesting and might make good discussion material in the classroom the intro by Tariq Ali really doesn't add anything revolutionary (I couldn't resist) either.
August 27, 2020
Fidel Castro established, in these declarations, a sound case for revolution whenever the citizens find themselves under a despotic regime. In fact, in such a scenario, it is honourable, even a duty to revolt. This text is valid now as it was valid when first written.
May 6, 2023
VAYANSE AL CARAJO, YANKIS DE MIERDA, QUE AQUÍ HAY UN PUEBLO DIGNO.
October 12, 2025
This is a really interesting entry into Castro's thought and the development of the Cuban Revolution, particularly its development into a socialist movement that was clearly Marxist and yet distinct from Soviet Marxism. Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in this history.
February 17, 2024
"I know that imprisonment will be as hard for me as it has ever been for anyone, filled with cowardly threats and wicked torture. But I do not fear prison, as I do not fear the fury of the miserable tyrant who took the lives of seventy of my comrades.
Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me."
Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me."
August 14, 2019
I'm glad I took the time to learn more about Castro and his place in Cuba's history. These declarations give voice to Castro's passionate criticisms of an oppressive government and a desire for a better life in Cuba. His intelligence is clear in his meticulous arguments. Shades of ideas are unsettlingly still applicable today. I also learned more about the United States' (unwanted) interventions in Cuba and South America.
From Castro:
What Cuban does not cherish glory? What heart is not set aflame by the dawn of freedom?
[The dictator] claimed we were a group of hirelings. And that among us were many foreigners. He said that the central part of our plan was to kill him—him. Always him…. He stated that our attack had been planned by ex-president Prio, and that it had been financed with Prio’s money.
What more are they waiting for? They may as well hang up their judicial robes. It is a fundamental principle of civil law that there can be no unconstitutional act where the executive and the legislative powers reside in the same body. When the cabinet makes the laws, the decrees, and the rules, and at the same time has the power to change the constitution in ten minutes’ time, then I ask you: Why do we need a court of constitutional rights? The ruling in favor of Batista’s statutes is irrational, inconceivable, illogical, and contrary to the republican laws that you, honorable magistrates, swore to uphold. When the court of constitutional rights supported Batista’s statutes against the constitution, the supreme law of the land was not abolished, but rather the court of constitutional rights placed itself outside the constitution, renounced its autonomy, and committed legal suicide. May it rest in peace. The right to revolt, established in article forty of the constitution, is still valid.
From Castro:
What Cuban does not cherish glory? What heart is not set aflame by the dawn of freedom?
[The dictator] claimed we were a group of hirelings. And that among us were many foreigners. He said that the central part of our plan was to kill him—him. Always him…. He stated that our attack had been planned by ex-president Prio, and that it had been financed with Prio’s money.
What more are they waiting for? They may as well hang up their judicial robes. It is a fundamental principle of civil law that there can be no unconstitutional act where the executive and the legislative powers reside in the same body. When the cabinet makes the laws, the decrees, and the rules, and at the same time has the power to change the constitution in ten minutes’ time, then I ask you: Why do we need a court of constitutional rights? The ruling in favor of Batista’s statutes is irrational, inconceivable, illogical, and contrary to the republican laws that you, honorable magistrates, swore to uphold. When the court of constitutional rights supported Batista’s statutes against the constitution, the supreme law of the land was not abolished, but rather the court of constitutional rights placed itself outside the constitution, renounced its autonomy, and committed legal suicide. May it rest in peace. The right to revolt, established in article forty of the constitution, is still valid.
May 3, 2021
A few component parts that end up being a fascinating and useful work. Let's look at them one by one:
Tariq Ali's introduction- Interesting, provides some good background context. Can't say that it was an immense standout, but it was useful and sets up the following sections well.
History will absolve me, Fidel's legal defense- Holy smokes was this great. A transcript of Fidel's self-defense after a failed insurrection. While at times it could be a bit clunky, as it is after all it is a transcript of a legal defense, some of the historical points and the rhetoric were downright revelatory. And that's not even to mention how amazingly the passage closes, culminating with his famous "Condemn me, it does not matter, history will absolve me".
The 1st Declaration of Havana- A strong document, though less bombastic than one might expect. A useful piece for understanding the development of Fidel's thought and the political orientation of the Cuban state.
The 2nd Declaration of Havana- Absolute fire. Not much more to say about it, I loved it beginning to end, and it really serves to highlight the continued development of thought.
The notes- Very useful, just enough explanation to make some of the more esoteric or contextual points within the other components make sense, without getting you too mired in details. Really strong usage of the space.
Overall- Tremendous, a short read and highly, highly recommended.
Tariq Ali's introduction- Interesting, provides some good background context. Can't say that it was an immense standout, but it was useful and sets up the following sections well.
History will absolve me, Fidel's legal defense- Holy smokes was this great. A transcript of Fidel's self-defense after a failed insurrection. While at times it could be a bit clunky, as it is after all it is a transcript of a legal defense, some of the historical points and the rhetoric were downright revelatory. And that's not even to mention how amazingly the passage closes, culminating with his famous "Condemn me, it does not matter, history will absolve me".
The 1st Declaration of Havana- A strong document, though less bombastic than one might expect. A useful piece for understanding the development of Fidel's thought and the political orientation of the Cuban state.
The 2nd Declaration of Havana- Absolute fire. Not much more to say about it, I loved it beginning to end, and it really serves to highlight the continued development of thought.
The notes- Very useful, just enough explanation to make some of the more esoteric or contextual points within the other components make sense, without getting you too mired in details. Really strong usage of the space.
Overall- Tremendous, a short read and highly, highly recommended.
October 15, 2022
Castro's principles are on open display in these speeches. Is it cringeworthy? Yes, but it's also admirable.
First, the good. Castro is lucid about imperialism, and it's inspiring that he was able to spark a movement that roused a massively impoverished island to rebellion. It takes a lot of guts to take on the full military apparatus of America, and reading these speeches one is forced to acknowledge his sincerity. Castro was an awful dictator, but he clearly believed in what he preached, and that counts for something.
Sadly, under the tip of the revolutionary iceberg lurks a much uglier underside. Castro is a proud patriotic socialist. Why does that matter? Recall Lenin on the national question: socialists can and should use the vocabulary of national independence but we should never blur the line between membership in a nation and genuine solidarity. An index of this failure in Castro's speeches is his intense panic about foreigners. This leads to a populism of the least interesting variety.
Castro died in 2016. With the benefit of 6 years of hindsight, the dream outlined here was not a complete mirage. Cuba held out heroically against its much more powerful neighbor. Unfortunately, Deleuze and Guattari were right: economic isolation is a recipe for pain. The truth is "that we haven't seen anything yet."
First, the good. Castro is lucid about imperialism, and it's inspiring that he was able to spark a movement that roused a massively impoverished island to rebellion. It takes a lot of guts to take on the full military apparatus of America, and reading these speeches one is forced to acknowledge his sincerity. Castro was an awful dictator, but he clearly believed in what he preached, and that counts for something.
Sadly, under the tip of the revolutionary iceberg lurks a much uglier underside. Castro is a proud patriotic socialist. Why does that matter? Recall Lenin on the national question: socialists can and should use the vocabulary of national independence but we should never blur the line between membership in a nation and genuine solidarity. An index of this failure in Castro's speeches is his intense panic about foreigners. This leads to a populism of the least interesting variety.
Castro died in 2016. With the benefit of 6 years of hindsight, the dream outlined here was not a complete mirage. Cuba held out heroically against its much more powerful neighbor. Unfortunately, Deleuze and Guattari were right: economic isolation is a recipe for pain. The truth is "that we haven't seen anything yet."
June 7, 2023
“El deber de todo revolucionario es hacer la revolución. Se sabe que en América y en el mundo la revolución vencerá, pero no es de revolucionarios sentarse en la puerta de casa para ver pasar el cadáver del imperialismo”
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Es la primera vez que leo a Castro y la verdad he quedado francamente impresionado de su capacidad de síntesis, claridad y elocuencia.
El libro recoge 3 discursos: i) su defensa ante el tribunal que le juzgó tras el asalto de 1953 al cuartel de Moncada (que acaba con el clásico “Condenadme, no importa. La historia me absolverá”), ii) La primera declaración de La Habana (1960), tras la puesta en marcha de reformas importantes en la cuba post-revolución, y iii) la segunda declaración de La Habana (1962) ya marcada por un declarado carácter socialista y que se apoya en el marxismo-leninismo.
En definitiva, esta selección de textos permite ver (en poco más de 160 páginas) cómo el carácter de la revolución cubana se va radicalizando rápidamente (todos los textos abarcan 9 años).
Para los que hablen inglés fluidamente, recomiendo escuchar en paralelo los primeros episodios de la segunda temporada del podcast “Blowback” que trata estos mismos temas y los complementa genial.
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Es la primera vez que leo a Castro y la verdad he quedado francamente impresionado de su capacidad de síntesis, claridad y elocuencia.
El libro recoge 3 discursos: i) su defensa ante el tribunal que le juzgó tras el asalto de 1953 al cuartel de Moncada (que acaba con el clásico “Condenadme, no importa. La historia me absolverá”), ii) La primera declaración de La Habana (1960), tras la puesta en marcha de reformas importantes en la cuba post-revolución, y iii) la segunda declaración de La Habana (1962) ya marcada por un declarado carácter socialista y que se apoya en el marxismo-leninismo.
En definitiva, esta selección de textos permite ver (en poco más de 160 páginas) cómo el carácter de la revolución cubana se va radicalizando rápidamente (todos los textos abarcan 9 años).
Para los que hablen inglés fluidamente, recomiendo escuchar en paralelo los primeros episodios de la segunda temporada del podcast “Blowback” que trata estos mismos temas y los complementa genial.
January 8, 2024
"It is the duty of every revolutionary to make the revolution. It is known that the revolution will triumph in America and throughout the world, but it is not for revolutionary to sit in the doorways of their houses waiting for the corpse of imperialism to pass by."
As pointed out in the fantastic footnotes provided by Tariq Ali, this collection presents the evolution of the nature of the Cuban Revolution. It's incredible to witness in this fashion—through the direct lens of Fidel, who, too, we experience evolving—particularly because he is such a masterful orator. Veneceremos!
As pointed out in the fantastic footnotes provided by Tariq Ali, this collection presents the evolution of the nature of the Cuban Revolution. It's incredible to witness in this fashion—through the direct lens of Fidel, who, too, we experience evolving—particularly because he is such a masterful orator. Veneceremos!
October 30, 2018
It was mainly 'history will absolve me'. I thought it was interesting how Castro cited from the history of liberal opposition and the theoretical justification for the right to rebel, including from the Mandate of Heaven, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Spanish Jesuits. The right to overthrow or tyrannicide.
April 10, 2021
Really impressive speeches towards the backend of this book calling on literature from antiquity to the enlightment justifying the need to rise up against dictatorship, the more so for coming up with them in prison without resources at his disposal. Leaves me wondering what happened to this knowledge as he himself held power for five decades.
October 7, 2021
Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution, pens a few essays about defending his allies and the need for a revolution in Cuba.
The Declarations of Havana proper are towards the end of the volume and they are rather brief. Most of it is recounting the history of the persecution of his allies.
Not a very good read unless one is deeply steeped in the Cuban Revolution.
The Declarations of Havana proper are towards the end of the volume and they are rather brief. Most of it is recounting the history of the persecution of his allies.
Not a very good read unless one is deeply steeped in the Cuban Revolution.
February 29, 2020
Pretty good speeches that truly show the importance of revolution in the Americas. Only issue was how repetitive it got. The first half of History Will Absolve Me was the best in the book. The Second Declaration of Havana was basically just "imperialism bad" spread out over 30 pages.
January 19, 2022
While I don't fully align towards Marxist-Leninist praxis with more Authoritarian Left revolutionary fervour, Castro's merits are manifold. 638 assassinations from the US who failed in their undemocratic coup d'etat. A fascinating snapshot of Castro's rhetoric, whilst flawed, still intriguing, and often remarkable.
March 6, 2025
Ali provides next to nothing in his introduction to Castro's speeches -- Castro certainly had more writing and oration to offer yet Verso attaches a boilerplate introduction to introductory texts for a quick buck. at least zizek offers a rant attached to Lenin's public domain works
June 19, 2017
Great, concise collection. The Second Declaration of Havana is like a comprehensive lesson in understanding colonialism and imperialism.
December 19, 2017
Very short, but all his points are spot on.
November 6, 2018
Impressive
December 31, 2020
One of the greatest orators of all time
February 19, 2021
Fidel Castro was a master of revolutionary rhetoric!
March 20, 2021
How socialism originates even without marx, without the reds, but in the hearts of the working classes of all oppressed lands.
June 12, 2021
Castro's speeches can be somewhat repetitive but their core messages are clear and potent especially when taken in the context of what 'actually' took place in Cuba before and after the revolution.
September 1, 2022
All I’ll say for this book is that labels aside, I’ll claim my politics, religion, morals, ideology, etc as this collections of speeches word for word
May 29, 2025
Love the history will absolve me speech, the declarations are a bit tedious though.
December 12, 2019
Reading Comrade Fidel in his own words gave me goosebumps. A strong and powerful leader; inspiration for the generation of Latin Americans who wanted to fight for the emancipation from USA capitalists.
August 30, 2022
This book and these speeches by Fidel Castro demonstrate his immense wealth of knowledge across a wide range of subjects. Fidel's Declarations of Havana are thoroughly set up arguments and pleas to his audience - which he knows is not just a courtroom or a crowd at a particular rally, but the entire working and oppressed population of the world who may come in contact with his words. These speeches are integral parts of who Fidel was, what the Cuban Revolution was, and also what the fighting spirit of the continent of Latin America is about. I hope that those who don't get to buy a pretty version of his speeches, like this beautiful cover and introduction by Tariq Ali, are able to find them online and experience the masterful rhetoric and revolutionary spirit of el Comandante en Jefe, Fidel Castro.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews