Week 5 Discussion: The Cold War Required Resources Read/Rev ✓ Solved

Week 5 Discussion: The Cold War Required Resources Read/review

Select one of the following smaller nations: Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, or another smaller nation of your choice with instructor approval. For the initial post, address the following in relation to your selection: Examine how Cold War policy by the main players affected the smaller nation. Examine why democracy was not successful in that nation. Describe the loss of personal liberties that were a result of democracy failing. Has the nation's political system changed since the Cold War? Explain.

Follow-Up Post Instructions: Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. At least one of your responses should be to a peer who chose an option different from yours. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Writing Requirements: Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up). Minimum of 2 sources cited (assigned readings/online lessons and an outside source). APA format for in-text citations and list of references.

Paper For Above Instructions

The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, had profound effects on smaller nations caught in the crossfire. This essay explores Cuba and examines the impacts of Cold War policies on its political landscape, analyzing the challenges to democracy, the loss of personal liberties, and the current state of governance in the aftermath of the Cold War.

Impact of Cold War Policies on Cuba

After World War II, Cuba found itself pivotal in the larger conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Cold War policies of containment, as advocated by the United States, sought to prevent the spread of communism, and Cuba's newfound communist government under Fidel Castro became a volatile focal point (Lumen Learning, 2020). The U.S. was deeply concerned with Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union, especially after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, which led to Castro's regime that embraced communism and depended on Soviet support.

This new alignment sparked the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 when the U.S. discovered Soviet missiles on Cuban soil, leading to a tense standoff that brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war (History.com, 2020). The crisis exemplified how Cold War dynamics played out in Cuba and how the nation's fate was interwoven with the strategies of superpower rivalry.

Challenges to Democracy in Cuba

Democracy in Cuba has been challenged significantly, primarily due to the authoritarian nature of Castro's regime supported by Soviet backing. Democracy was never fully realized as the state concentrated power in the Communist Party, which suppressed dissent and prohibited opposition (Duiker, 2015). Castro's government implemented policies that repressed freedom of speech, association, and the press, violating basic democratic principles. As a result, political pluralism was effectively eradicated, creating a singular narrative sanctioned by the government.

Political repression manifested in the jailing of dissidents, censorship of the media, and control of public discourse. These measures aimed to maintain the regime’s grip on power and eliminate any potential for democratic reforms. The state's totalitarian character is evidenced by the historical evidence of executions and imprisonment of thousands of Cubans who opposed the regime (Lumen Learning, 2020).

Loss of Personal Liberties

The failure of democracy in Cuba led to substantial losses of personal liberties. Under Castro's totalitarian rule, countless individuals faced arbitrary detention, forced labor, and human rights abuses (Umeda, 2020). The government's efforts to suppress opposition included extensive surveillance and significant restrictions on mobility, notably exemplified by regulations on car ownership and travel. Citizens were forced to conform to government policies or face severe repercussions.

The inability of the people to express their opinions freely and engage in political processes resulted in a culture of fear, where dissent was met with harsh punishment. The loss of personal liberties extended beyond politics; basic economic rights were also eroded, with the government controlling virtually all aspects of daily life, including businesses and cultural expressions (Duiker, 2015).

Changes in Political System Since the Cold War

Post-Cold War, while the fundamental nature of Cuba's political system has remained unchanged—still fundamentally a communist state—there have been slight relaxations in some restrictive policies. The transition from Fidel Castro to his brother, Raúl Castro, in 2008 initiated small economic reforms, such as reasonable limits on private businesses and ownership of consumer goods, including automobiles and mobile phones (Umeda, 2020).

While these reforms indicate a shift towards a more open economy, they have not translated to substantial political reforms. The Communist Party remains the only legal political party, and significant barriers to political freedom still exist. Censorship of the press and the internet persists, stifling the potential for democratic movements (Lumen Learning, 2020).

Conclusion

In summary, the Cold War had profound effects on Cuba, influencing its political evolution and cementing a dictatorial regime that stifled democracy. The impacts of external superpower policies led to dramatic losses of personal freedoms and political liberties for the Cuban people. Even post-Cold War, the remnants of authoritarianism persist alongside minimal reforms. The case of Cuba serves as a crucial reminder of the extensive influence that geopolitical conflicts exert on smaller nations and highlights the ongoing struggles for democracy and human rights.

References

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