Cuba: A Revolution in Motion

by Isaac Saney

This accessible, up-to-date and comprehensive introduction to modern Cuba provides an overview of Cuban history with particular emphasis on the country's post-Soviet economic collapse, the measures that President Castro's government took in response, and their ensuing results and impact.

This book neither paints Cuba as a perfect society nor universal model for Third World development. But it does argue that Cuba demonstrates that even relatively small countries can pursue a path of economic and social development that avoids the problems endemic in the rest of Latin America. The author also argues that the country's political stability is not merely the result of authoritarianism, but that important elements of democracy involve participation and help generate public support.

Cuba today continues to have huge problems, but the wider significance of the Cuban Revolution rests on its practical demonstration that it is possible to pursue radical and humane development policies which are at complete variance with the increasingly criticised nostrums of neoliberal economics being foisted on the rest of the world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[maxgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic and concise overview of the history of the Revolution, including its successes and challenges. i'd recommend this to anyone.

[Alex M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise summary of the revolution, its successes and struggles and outlook. Book arranged into thematic chapters, delaing with, i.e. race, crimial justice, economy.
Extremely readable yet academic, in the sense it has data, is well-referenced and researched. Also heard the author speak once. Dynamic, very passionate about the issue. Solid resource for Cuba solidarity activists. Quite accessible to people new to the issue of Cuba/ socialism/ blockade.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good information. Over written, unclear sentences to get at very good points. Obviously pro Cuba and presents mostly just that side. Very informative, packed with good info on how special Cuba is.

[Carlos Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a concise overview of Cuba's modern history, its systems of democracy, its struggles against racism at home and globally, its historic role in the defeat of apartheid, and its place in a growing 'non-aligned' world, there is no better book than this. Highly recommended.

[Tiffany Maldonado · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m not really into history at all but i really enjoyed this book and got a lot out of it