Dat fucking eiland: De oorlog van de VS tegen Cuba

by Noam Chomsky

Dit boek reconstrueert de oorlog van de VS tegen Cuba. Een relaas van vermetel verzet aan de ene kant en regelrechte maffiapraktijken aan de andere.

Ooit vertrouwde een Amerikaanse minister van Buitenlandse Zaken toenmalig president Reagan toe: ‘Geef me de toelating en ik verander dat fucking eiland in een parking.’ Dat fucking eiland is Cuba. Al meer dan zestig jaar kijkt heel de wereld ernaar. Een deel met respect, een ander deel – de opeenvolgende Amerikaanse regeringen op kop – met haat in de ogen. In dit boek reconstrueren Noam Chomsky en Vijay Prashad de hedendaagse versie van de strijd tussen David en Goliath. Het is een relaas van vermetel verzet aan de ene kant en regelrechte maffiapraktijken aan de andere. ‘De VS hanteert dezelfde logica als The Godfather. Een maffiabaas is niet per sé een sadist. Maar als iemand zijn beschermingsgeld niet ophoest moét hij wel in actie komen. Het zou anderen op ideeën kunnen brengen. Alle imperialistische staten handelen zo.’ Cuba staat voor spannende jaren. Het Castrotijdperk is achter de rug en het wurgend embargo duurt voort waardoor de politieke en economische situatie onzeker blijft. Het maakt dit boek urgenter dan ooit.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

Avram Noam Chomsky is an American professor and public intellectual known for his work in linguistics, political activism, and social criticism. Sometimes called "the father of modern linguistics", Chomsky is also a major figure in analytic philosophy and one of the founders of the field of cognitive science. He is a laureate professor of linguistics at the University of Arizona and an institute professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Among the most cited living authors, Chomsky has written more than 150 books on topics such as linguistics, war, and politics. In addition to his work in linguistics, since the 1960s Chomsky has been an influential voice on the American left as a consistent critic of U.S. foreign policy, contemporary capitalism, and corporate influence on political institutions and the media.
Born to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants (his father was William Chomsky) in Philadelphia, Chomsky developed an early interest in anarchism from alternative bookstores in New York City. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania. During his postgraduate work in the Harvard Society of Fellows, Chomsky developed the theory of transformational grammar for which he earned his doctorate in 1955. That year he began teaching at MIT, and in 1957 emerged as a significant figure in linguistics with his landmark work Syntactic Structures, which played a major role in remodeling the study of language. From 1958 to 1959 Chomsky was a National Science Foundation fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study. He created or co-created the universal grammar theory, the generative grammar theory, the Chomsky hierarchy, and the minimalist program. Chomsky also played a pivotal role in the decline of linguistic behaviorism, and was particularly critical of the work of B.F. Skinner.
An outspoken opponent of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, which he saw as an act of American imperialism, in 1967 Chomsky rose to national attention for his anti-war essay "The Responsibility of Intellectuals". Becoming associated with the New Left, he was arrested multiple times for his activism and placed on President Richard M. Nixon's list of political opponents. While expanding his work in linguistics over subsequent decades, he also became involved in the linguistics wars. In collaboration with Edward S. Herman, Chomsky later articulated the propaganda model of media criticism in Manufacturing Consent, and worked to expose the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. His defense of unconditional freedom of speech, including that of Holocaust denial, generated significant controversy in the Faurisson affair of the 1980s. Chomsky's commentary on the Cambodian genocide and the Bosnian genocide also generated controversy. Since retiring from active teaching at MIT, he has continued his vocal political activism, including opposing the 2003 invasion of Iraq and supporting the Occupy movement. An anti-Zionist, Chomsky considers Israel's treatment of Palestinians to be worse than South African–style apartheid, and criticizes U.S. support for Israel.
Chomsky is widely recognized as having helped to spark the cognitive revolution in the human sciences, contributing to the development of a new cognitivistic framework for the study of language and the mind. Chomsky remains a leading critic of U.S. foreign policy, contemporary capitalism, U.S. involvement and Israel's role in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and mass media. Chomsky and his ideas are highly influential in the anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist movements. Since 2017, he has been Agnese Helms Haury Chair in the Agnese Nelms Haury Program in Environment and Social Justice at the University of Arizona.

Reviews

[Zach Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it curious that Chomsky and Prashad chose to write this, given that last year they co-wrote a book on Afghanistan (The Withdrawal). On Cuba follows pretty much the exact same playbook: fairly high-level overview of U.S. hegemony and imperialist crimes, meandering around the world in typical Chomsky fashion. There wasn't really anything wrong with the text - in fact, I was actually pleasantly surprised at its praise of the revolution given some of Noam's politics. Rather, it just felt a little amateur in its ambition. There are some incredible books on Cuba that cover these topics in much more rigor and depth: We Are Cuba! by Helen Yaffe is probably the best. But I was also reminded of the remarkable scholarship of Piero Gleijeses in his two part documentation of Cuba's role in Africa: Conflicting Missions and Visions of Freedom are must-reads to understand the long and rich history of Cuba supporting and defending African liberation struggles against U.S.-backed dictators and apartheid armies.

I'd say that if you really are new to socialist Cuba and need an introductory read to get you started on deprogramming, this would serve you well. Others may look elsewhere.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

informative, concise, heartbreaking, hopeful. the resilience and global solidarity of the Cuban people and government are beyond inspiring, and the depravity of the US and its interests never fails to shock me. viva Cuba, forever and ever and ever.

[Berkan Celebi · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great book to introduce people who don't know much about Cuba and the politics surrounding the country, and it's relationship with the USA. Also a good book for people who know about Cuba, reintroducing a lot of specific policy and its impact.

[Natalie Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible and succinct introduction to a complicated history that we've been told about inaccurately and unfairly. Beyond interesting to read as a native miami girl who swallowed "truths" about Cuba throughout my youth.

[Deborah Charnes]

I've read a lot about Cuba (and Latin America), and I'm aware of Chomsky's beliefs. So I read this book without blinders. Overall, I think he shares great information that many US citizens, in particular, need to know. At the same time, any reader should understand that his book is not going to acknowledge many of the problems with the Castro regime. I was pleasantly surprised that the authors DID include history of the LGBTQ population on the island.

[Michael Hutchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I lived on Gitmo as a kid in 1960 to 1961. My family was evacuated just prior to the Bay of Pigs invasion. The things I remember of those years still have meaning to me. I've been in favor of the revolution for 50 years. Although, back in the 60's my opinion was governed by the propaganda I was fed. Over the years we have seen this country trying to destroy Cuba. We have listened to our politicians berate and demonize the Castro's and the revolution. All the while it was the illegal blockade and sanctions put on Cuba that has crushed its development. Today our corrupt government continues to increase sanctions on Cuba. When Trump first took office, he added 243 new sanctions on Cuba. He even put them on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list. Which is not true, it is just a political move to punish Cuba even more. The where, when, why, and how is in this book. In just about 165 pages you will come away with a good understanding of the subjugation, and oppression, this country has but Cuba under for 60 years. Noam Chomsky and Vijay Prashad, thank you for this book. I hope lots of people read it because with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, he will go after Cuba.

[Jacob Bush]

Are you a left-winger? Do you want to read some of the thoughts of smart and well informed people who won’t challenge your worldview? Have at it. As a lefty who likes reading what people with more knowledge than me have to say, I felt satisfied. There wasn’t a lot here that would be new to most people with an interest in the topic, but it’s a decent survey with a good list of citations. Worth the time.

[Maleah Grover]

The US has done horrible things to Cuba. This book educated me.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

"After 1898, Cuba became the 'virtual colony' that the U.S. presidents had imagined. Its entire infrastructure was controlled by U.S. multinationals, which charged enormous fees for the provision of electricity and water and paid basement prices for the old plantation crop, sugar. Total suffocation of Cuban political life meant that the country became a tourist base, a destination for U.S. citizens to do there what was perhaps frowned upon inside the puritanical United States.

"In 1964, the U.S. State Department Policy Planning Council warned that 'the primary danger we face in Castro...is the impact the very existence of his regime has upon the leftist movement in many Latin American countries....the simple fact is that Castro represents a successful defiance of the United States, a negation of our whole hemispheric policy of almost a century and a half.'"

"The general view is that if Cuba succeeds in defying U.S. power, then it might instigate others in the region to develop a similar agenda against the U.S. neocolonial order, and the whole system of domination will erode."

"The problem with Cuba for the United States was not whether or not the Revolution had adopted a communist orientation, although that certainly helped build the negative fantasy about the island's political project. The real problem with Cuba for the United States elites was its defiance of the U.S. mandate and its attempt to assert its national sovereignty over its resources in order to build up the dignity of its people. Five years before the Cuban Revolution, the U.S. government—with the Central Intelligence Agency as the spear—overthrew the government of President Jacob Arbenz of Guatemala because his government wanted to democratize land rights. It was unthinkable for the U.S. multinational firm United Fruit Company that its vast, and often unused, plantations would be taken over by the government to satisfy the democratic aspirations of landless farmers."

"U.S. politics is confounded by an accordion effect, with the Republicans and Democrats going back and forth over the decades with a similar orientation toward the world but with different strategies and different moods"

[Jared Quigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Obama's statements were interesting. He said he wanted to bring democracy to Cuba by peaceful means, by normalizing relations. In the back of his mind, he was thinking about a color revolution, to induce Cubans to become obsessed with consumption of U.S. goods and services. Get the kids hooked on, you know, Instagram or whatever it is. Nice sneakers that they can buy. Maybe bring 'democracy' that way to Cuba instead of bringing 'democracy' to Cuba by slaughtering and starving the Cubans. This would gradually bring Cubans into the U.S. orbit. This is not a change of strategy, but a change of tactics. It was the same with Carter. It has been the constant strategy of the U.S. to integrate Cuba with the United States. To make it like Central America or other parts of the Caribbean. If terror didn't work, then try sanctions. If sanctions don't work, try harsher sanctions. Straight invasion is not going to work. It's beyond that point. The U.S. is no longer capable of that. So it uses other devices, such as sanctions, which may work. It's kind of amazing that Cuba has even survived."
--Noam Chomsky and Vijay Prashad, On Cuba

Much of this little book won't be new to readers already familiar with Cuba's history since the revolution, but it will be extremely useful for those unaware of the United States' long history of bullying the island nation. The authors seem to set out to prove that it is not in fact Cuba that is a terrorist nation, but the United States, who has done nothing but try to strangle Cuban socialism ever since it was born. The book details Cuba's medical and educational triumphs despite America's crippling embargo, and it should be read by anyone skeptical of the U.S. narrative of "good" and "evil" nations. Cuba deserves our respect and admiration for the society they've been able to build in the face of struggle, and the U.S. deserves our deepest condemnation for the embargo that has done nothing but bring misery for decades.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think On Cuba was a great read about the history of Cuba from the 50s, during the rise of the revolution, to the modern day. Noam Chomsky discusses the conditions under Fulgencio Batista, the US backed dictator of Cuba before the Cuban Revolution of 1959, while comparing it to rise in education, literacy rates, healthcare quality and access, and more achievements under Communist Cuba. Chomsky also dives into the effects of U.S attempts at intervention or destabilization in Cuba. Things the U.S has done to Cuba include, but are not limited to, sponsoring a brutal dictator open to American interests ( Fulgencio Batista), acts of terror in the early 60s as an attempt to overthrow Castro, including operation Mongoose. The U.S also has attempted to economically isolate Cuba. From a trade embargo that has caused Cuba to lose billions of dollars, and the Helms-Burley act of 1996 attempting to strengthen this trade embargo. Despite all of these challenges, Cuba experienced a major rise in social conditions. Adult illiteracy was nearly gone just 2 decades after the revolution, and Cuba's healthcare rise allowed them to send doctors across the world to fight disease. Cuba also progressed in social rights, including rights for people of color, and eventually, Cuba would become one of the most lgbtq+ friendly. Cuba does have things that still warrant criticism, such as being a one party country, suppression of some speech, and the ability for the prime minister to stay in power for so long. This book helps set up the idea that Cuba is a nation that's persevered through western Capitalism, and is a country that socialists can use to learn lessons from.

[Alice Qiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enlightening read on Cuba's resilience and the absolute evil that is the United States of America.

Firstly, this book made me embarrassed to be American. Secondly, it gave me a greater understanding of past and current US policy. No policy is ever 'random'. There's always an ulterior motive, and that motive is always US interests or capitalist interests. Businesses dictating US's domestic and foreign policies is nothing new, it's just that they are no longer hiding behind politicians and/or are just fucking stupid (eg elon musk). If anything, such proud displays of 'patriotism', pride, corruption, hatred, and just plain stupidity by this administration are simply unveiling the doctrines and ideas the US has always abided by (US as an institution, though it's people are certainly not exempt). It's just that they are less and less concerned with acting under the guise of 'protecting peace' and 'humanitarianism' and whatever... which is kinda a good thing? but it's also like, wow you stupid assholes can't even do evil properly anymore (which I'm sure there are plenty of smart evil people in Washington doing evil properly and strategically). I am now more convinced than ever that every Washington insider and every businessperson is going to hell.

Long rant about the US aside, I have such admiration for Cuba and the Cuban people. What a resilient and beautiful and kind and hopeful nation! I really want to visit one day!!!

The entire world needs to get more socialist NOW!!

[Stephen Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cuba Embargo deserves a cherished place amongst the cassette player, TV antenna, and landline telephone as things exceeding their usefulness. Chomsky and Prashad make an eloquent case that Cuba does not deserve the almost-70 year scourge of the American embargo: its leaders have passed away; its economy remains intact; and the island nation has found a way to remain a leader in literacy and healthcare access for its citizens. Communism may be a failed idea, but Cuba has no doubt adapted it into something sustainable, a direct counter-thrust to the dominance of American republicanism and imperialism in the Americas.

Chomsky and Prasha of course approach the subject from the left side of politics, but there is something undeniable about the failure of America's Cuba policy. America has accepted regimes in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe that are far from any ideal of human rights and democratic leadership; why does it remain so difficult for policymakers to accept that in Havana?

[Tommy Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading Chomsky and Prashad’s On Cuba. It is an excellent introductory history of America’s role in the destruction of the Cuban revolution. The best part of this book is the use of primary sources, from the state department, presidents, and Fidel Castro. Its pretty crazy to read a direct quote from Robert Kennedy saying they’re purposely going to frame Cuba as hostile to justify and invasion. As someone growing up in Florida with a lot of contact with Cuban immigrants I was told Castro was basically Hilter. So it was a little shocking to me to read excerpts of Castro’s speeches in the book that were focused on humanism, providing for all citizens, etc. I felt the novel was lacking context and critism of the Castro regime. I know they couldnt have done everything right due to the brutality of the embargo, but the only mention of Castro mistakes were throwaway lines. Obviously under the cruelty of the embargo no country would be successful, but i felt like the novel was missing a lot of context. But I am not super well educated on this topic. Will definitely be reading a more in depth examination of Cuba in the future.

[Heyner · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very dishonest reflection of what has been the Cuban Revolution. As an exile, I try to challenge the perspective I was given in my home country and the one I received afterward. I try no to demonize any side, in order to form my own opinion. On Cuba, has demonstrated once more that a one-sided history is the easiest thing to produce. I truly lament that Chomsky, celebrated for his devotion to the true in his great works, falls into this trap. No revolution is perfect. On Cuba tries to defy this idea, accelerating speed when things get difficult. What about the tumultuous assassinations that took place early on? What about the invasions? The cruel cases of theft during the African campaigns? The events of the embassy of Peru? The balseros crisis? The leaderless 21 of July protest that brought thousands, upon thousands? I'm not trying to exculpate the role of American policy, but just telling those who will read the book, that there's more to Cuba than one perspective. Those who simplify either lie or are following an agenda.

[Valle Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cuba ha resistido a asesinatos y golpes de Estado, bloqueos y sanciones. A pesar de sus defectos, ha ofrecido al mundo una visión de la sociedad más allá de la codicia capitalista. Ha creado una sociedad desafiante..."

"...El pueblo cubano se enfrenta a un gran reto en cuanto a como plantear una idea de su propio proceso, de su lucha por mantener la primacía de la vida social por encima del dinero. La <> del imperialismo, como la llamó Castro, es una actitud filosófica ante el mundo que pretende desvalijar tanto a la humanidad como a la naturaleza para obtener beneficios privados. Una parte notable de esta historia ha sido la resistencia del pueblo cubano, su capacidad para resistirse al saqueo, pero hay que reconocer que la Revolución cubana se ha visto perjudicada por la ira del padrino..."

[Guillermo Martínez · Rating 5 out of 5]

En este libro, Chomsky relata con una gran precisión la historia de la Revolución Cubana y todos los obstáculos a los que ha tenido que hacer frente, principalmente por parte de Estados Unidos, que ha mantenido, durante ya 62 años una política de bloqueo y embargo que ha llevado a la población cubana a vivir en la miseria más absoluta. A pesar de esto, la Revolución sigue en pie, y el pueblo cubano, en su mayoría, confía en la misma.

Libro ameno y recomendable para aquellas personas que quieran informarse ampliamente sobre la situación en Cuba, así como las causas que han llevado a su Estado, tanto en su ámbito interno como en su papel internacional a lo largo de estos años de Revolución.

[Billy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful and insightful examination of Cuba’s revolutionary legacy which offers a compelling narrative that honours Cuba’s resistance to imperialism, its pursuit of sovereignty, and its social achievements in the face of enduring economic and political pressure.

Chomsky and Prashad blend sharp historical analysis with a deep moral commitment, drawing attention to Cuba's accomplishments in healthcare, education, and internationalism. Their reflections are not only intellectually rigorous but also infused with admiration for the Cuban people’s resilience. For readers seeking a nuanced and principled defense of Cuba’s revolution and its global significance.

¡Viva la revolución y libertad!

[Ikra Anwar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a very readable account of America’s involvement with Cuba from Chomsky’s very left perspective, which was refreshing and interesting and of course a bit upsetting. History I haven’t consumed anywhere else, and well structured overall.

My biggest issues are:
1) the book is less about Cuba and more about America’s policies towards Cuba. They make this clear in the first chapter but I was still disappointed by how little analysis there is of the special communist government that Cuba has.
2) the book is so clearly biased towards, blatantly biased. The head of state of Cuba wrote its foreword, kind of biased. I found that frustrating because it is certainly not an even headed analysis. Chomsky likes Cuba, and there is exactly one mention of a bad thing (press suppression) that is quickly moved on from. Otherwise, it is praise, for Cuba, for Castro. Don’t get me wrong I’m sure there are good things about Cuba and the Revolution seems more positive than most other sources would ever say. I just wish this book gave a more balanced perspective.

Still, a good read

[Xavi Abante · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's less of a pro-Castro pamphlet than it seems, but of course it glorifies the Cuban regime (what a surprise, regarding the introduction written by the current president of Cuba). It gives evidence that the Monroe Doctrine is as current as it was in the XIX century, when it was established. Of course, you have to compare Cuba not with Switzerland (as a Cuban woman I overheard, when she was told so, said it was "nonsense"), but with the other countries nearby. Chomsky and Prashad give a well-documented vision of the current state of Cuba, and how the American blocking is a human crime.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

i also dont know why the eff this took me so long. lowkey i think i was jusr kinda bored for a good part of it because a lot of this stuff i already knew.

i think this is a great baseline read to get an understanding of US policy towards Cuba. definitely recommend reading this with Cuban Americans ready to open their hearts and minds to unlearning the years of US propaganda around Cuba.

it is my dream that the embargo is lifted in my lifetime, and i am able to return to my mother’s childhood home.

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

great summary on the history of america-cuba relations and how the us empire has spent decades trying to overthrow the Cuban Revolution and jeopardize Cuba’s ability to sustain itself and progress to its full potential. all because Cuba dares to be a nation that places the wellbeing of its people as the top priority and recognizes that capitalism will only lead to ruin.

[Poonam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone interested in understanding the propagandist and colonialist mindset of United States! I have been an avid follower of Noam Chomsky and admire him for being so critical and vocal about Unites States actions. I have also listened to a lot of Vijay’s lectures and must say that he intrigues me and pushes me to read, read and read!!

[William Trently · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors, in their reflections on 70 years of revolution and struggle, say "Despite our different points of departure, we found unity in our view that the U.S. government has been vindictive toward the Cuban Revolution because it has successfully defied Washington..." and "A better world is possible. A Cuba free of blockade, harassment, and aggressions of all kinds could prove it."

[Kat]

A reflection on how America’s disregard for human life and human rights have always been a prominent part of their own need for superiority and ego centric view of the world.

Despite not rating this book, I found it incredibly informative and well supported with reliable sources.

[Carlos Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro muy recomendable el cual quitando algunas partes se lee muy bien.
Trata sobre el largo bloqueo que sufre Cuba por parte del gran imperio Yanki, y como a pesar de todas las miserias y adversidades que eso conlleva siguen resistiendo.

[JennLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulously insightful; learned many things I was not aware of regarding what was done to the country ... and how fortunate they were to resist intervention and not become another Haiti. A must read for those concerned about the role of americans in other countries.

[Caroline Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well structured, easy to read and great quick overview of the absolute terror that the US has inflicted on Cuba ever since its revolution

[Diego · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hace un repaso rápido por los 70 años de la revolución cubana. Lo recomiendo, pese a que sea tan corto y no pueda profundizar demasiado.

[Álvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy buen libro para entender la realidad cubana de los últimos años