Cuba is a very unique country with regards to government and politics. It is distinctive not only in its being the last communist country in Latin America, but also due the fact that it has and is continuing to undergo major changes with regards to government policy. Through analysis of the five criteria for democracy, and scrutiny of systems theory, political scientists can see that Cuba is on the path to momentous political change due to its rapidly deteriorating, soviet modeled, communist government. Before breaking down the components of the criteria for democracy and systems theory as they apply to Cuba, it is important to briefly consider the aforementioned countries history. Cuba’s current government began after President Batista was overthrown in a violent coup led by Fidel Castro in 1959. In 1961 Castro formally declared Cuba a socialist state; it is now recognized simply as a totalitarian communist state (US State dept, 3/25/10). While the Cuba does have a written constitution allotting civil rights, it for all intents and purposes, negates these liberties by declaring that, “any citizen attempting to prevent the growth of socialism” is exempt from said rights (US State dept, 3/25/10). The constitution also identifies the Cuban Communist Party as the only party with legal legitimacy. As one may have already inferred from these stringent governmental laws, the economy is also controlled entirely by the communist party, this however is one of the interesting points in the analysis of the Cuban political the system as a large portion of the government employed workforce is soon to be fired in favor of a move to the private sector (The Economist, Nov. 2010). At the time of the US state departments report on Cuba, eighty-t... ... middle of paper ... ... five criteria for democracy as presented by Charles Hauss, Cuba failed miserably in competitive elections and rule of law, on the other hand while certainly far from industrialized democracies, recent developments hint at the potential for improvements in civil rights and the prevalence of capitalism. As far as systems theory is concerned in Cuba, it is almost impossible until improvements are made In the aforementioned civil rights criterion. Finally as it compares to other communist countries, Cuba is showing signs of travelling the path of the USSR and facing collapse as Perestroika begins and the regime is restructured. All things considered, Cuba has become an immensely intriguing country for political scientists in recent years as it has begun several transitions toward far greater democratization than it had ever experienced under its former leader.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that cuba is a unique country in terms of government and politics due to its rapidly deteriorating, soviet-modeled, communist government.
- Explains that cuba's current government began after president batista was overthrown in a violent coup led by fidel castro in 1959.
- Analyzes cuba's relationship to the five criteria for democracy outlined by charles hauss in introduction to comparative government.
- Opines that cuba lacks the recognition of rights to be considered a democracy. the recent promise to release incarcerated dissenters signals potential change in the government's stance on citizens' rights.
- Analyzes how cuba's fidel castro developed in his political career much like joseph stalin. raul castro, his brother, currently resides at the highest seat in the communist government.
- Opines that cuba's written constitution provides the government the power to punish those who oppose socialism, but it feels necessary.
- Opines that capitalism is yet another trait that cuba lacks, but the move to relocate workers in the private sector transitions cuba closer to capitalism.
- Opines that cuba is far from meeting any of the criteria for democracy, but recent shifts in policy point to potential for an increasingly democratic nation.
- Opines that systems theory is a vital tool in comparing countries, but it has little application with regards to cuba as the communist government is at present, completely totalitarian.
- Analyzes how schumacher-matos' article, "easing the impact of cuba's coming crisis", compares raul castro’s ability to control the "unraveling of the perestroika".
- Analyzes how cuba failed miserably in competitive elections and rule of law, while far from industrialized democracies, recent developments hint at the potential for improvements in civil rights and the prevalence of capitalism.
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- comparative
- opinion
- analytical
- explanatory
- Cubacomparative essayDo you know anything about the island of Cuba? After this you will know about the geography, history, people, lifestyle, and society, of the great country of Cuba. Are you ready to start learning about Cuba?
In this essay, the author
- Describes cuba's geography, history, people, lifestyle, and society.
- Explains that cuba is the largest island west of india; the island is equal, in area, to the state of pennsylvania.
- Concludes that cuba's history is all over the place and full of revolution.
- Explains that cuba has a diverse and interesting population, with 97 percent of its population being literate. cuba's healthcare system is free to all cubans.
- Explains that cuba's indigenous people farmed black beans, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava. the spanish brought coffee and sugar; the africans developed their religion while in cuba.
619 wordsRead More - Cuba Personal Statementopinion essayAs an International and Global Studies major, I understand that study abroad is a crucial component of developing my awareness and understanding of foreign affairs, societies and cultures. By studying abroad in Cuba, I will pursue my academic and intellectual goals to expand my knowledge of Cuban history, politics and sociology. The Sarah Lawrence-Cuba program will allow me to increase my understanding, through coursework and everyday experience, of how the Cuban government and people live as globalization and capitalism encroach upon Communist traditions. Preparing to meet my study abroad goals while at Brandeis, I have studied colonialism, developing economies, Spanish, Latin American History, Economic Globalization, and International Relations,
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the sarah lawrence college in havana program balances real-world experience with scholarly learning to best match their academic goals for study abroad.
- Opines that they want to gain a multilateral perspective on the collectivist sociopolitical culture of cuba from their semester abroad.
- Explains that they plan to integrate themselves as a student at the university of havana by adapting to the local collectivist lifestyle in their living environment.
- Explains that they will face logistical challenges such as compromised communication with american friends and family, a slower pace of living, and converting their money into the notoriously bad cuc peso.
1163 wordsRead More - The Importance Of Dystopian Roles In The Hunger Gamesanalytical essayA small Caribbean island can become one of the most notorious places throughout the world for being dystopian, and having oodles of communism, and these whereabouts exist, it is a country called Cuba, which was formerly controlled by Fidel Castro. Castro was a young man of Cuba, who became the Prime Minister, and became the dictator for over 45 years, and made the Cuban Revolution start. Some well- known things about Castro include the fact that he was born on August 13, 1926, and has now lied in his grave since November 25, 2016. When analyzing the ways that Cuba and Fidel Castro made adjudications that created a dystopian society among their citizens, one can evaluate what changes Cuba’s government made that was so influencing and controlling
In this essay, the author
- Explains that cuba was formerly controlled by fidel castro, who was born on august 13, 1926, and has now lied in his grave since november 25, 2016.
- Analyzes how castro influenced and controlled cuba to make it dystopian, and how he made his people have very few rights, unlike other people of power.
- Analyzes how fidel castro is dystopian and full of communism. cuba's government is in charge of many businesses and farms.
- Compares the dystopian connection between the hunger games and fidel castro in cuba.
- Analyzes how cuba and fidel castro made choices that created a dystopian society among their citizens.
- Analyzes mcgraw, meridith, and marshall's "a look at fidel castro’s controversial legacy in cuba."
1308 wordsRead More - Communisms effect on civil societyanalytical essayHow did Fidel Castro’s communistic regime beginning in 1959 affect civil society in the short and long run? Two main features of civil society as highlighted by Benestad are the Church, and the family. I will also be highlighting how civil society in sports was affected by communism in Cuba. The separation of church and state was clearly visible when Castro’s El Partido Communismo (Communism Party) took control of the country instilling Marxist ideologies into a once very prosperous country. The separation of church and state opened the gates for religious segregation, violation of family rights and corrupted athletics which was the pride of the people. In this paper I will argue how Castro’s regime overtook the country and deprived them of their liberties and affected civil society during the revolution and in the many decades after. Much of what I will discuss in this paper comes from personal knowledge on the subject, knowledge which I have gained from living in South Florida and growing up with a father that left his home country of Cuba in search for freedom in 1980 on the Mariel boatlift.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how fidel castro's communistic regime in 1959 affected civil society in the short and long run. the separation of church and state opened the gates for religious segregation, violation of family rights, and corrupted athletics.
- Opines that castro embraced jesus christ and made him seem like a communist. castro condemned the rich, merchants, and pharisees with very strong words.
- Argues that communism did not directly impact cuban families because of the similarities between modern american families in core personal values pertaining to loved ones. castro claims that women's rights in cuba have improved since the revolution.
- Argues that castro's regime instilled a mindset that sports were to be equally attainable among the people no matter how much money one had.
- Argues that castro's communistic regime violated features of civil society, including depriving people of religious freedom, violating family rights, and corrupting sports.
- Explains that the lack of economic prosperity on the island causes much poverty therefore increasing instability in marriages.
- Analyzes how the cuban regime used sports to promote elitism and anti-collectivism ideas throughout society.
- Opines that fidel castro's rebuilding relationship with the vatican was all to overcome the quarantining effects of the united states embargo.
- Opines that the communistic regime in cuba deprived the family of simple liberties such as making their own political decisions.
- Opines that the cuban regime restrains the human person from achieving its upmost potential and inspiring others.
1834 wordsRead More - Cuba and United States Relationsanalytical essay...holds free elections, changes to a free market system, and respects the civil liberties and human rights of its citizens. For the time being, the Cuban government would rather watch the status of its citizens deteriorate than to accept the American terms.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the use of power, both inside and outside of one’s border, directly speaks to the sovereignty of the nation.
- Explains that countries who consider themselves world powers interlope in the business of countries they consider inferior and in which they have a political/economic interest.
- Analyzes how the cold war was based on mutually assured self destruction. both sides of the iron curtain built up their arms in order to deter the other from attack.
- Opines that the dangers of ignoring the use of power are grave.
1390 wordsRead More - Cuba's Judical Systemexplanatory essayCuba that beautiful little island that lies in between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea is known for its wonderful culture, divine cuisine, and is a totalitarian police state which relies on its repressive methods to ensure it maintains total control over its people. Its judicial system takes on the same complexities from Cuba’s judicial system, executive, The National Assembly, Cuba’s constitution, and the republic’s definition of crime and punishment.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that cuba is a totalitarian police state that relies on its repressive methods to ensure total control over its people.
- Explains that cuba's judicial system is a direct reflection of the spanish colonies and was reformed in 1902 to its existing branches.
- Explains that the executive branch of cuba is run by the government, headed up by fidel castro, who is also the head of government and the president.
- Explains that the national assembly is the legislative branch of cuba's judicial system and the branch with supreme power.
- Explains that cuba's constitution is one of the foundation blocks for the economic and social workings of state and government. it has had five different reforms since their independence from spain in 1902.
- Explains that the cuban constitution and the criminal code of cuba aim was supposed to maintain the goals of building a socialist state.
- Opines that reading about the republic of cuba and its many complexities gave them a sense of awareness of its communistic ways of operating, and steady evolution along what it believes to be
- Describes the people's supreme court in encyclopedia britannica.
- Explains that bertloch, fred d., "about cuba legal system, population and religion." cuba education tours, university study travel to cuba, cuba college tour to study abroad.
1132 wordsRead More - The Fifty-Year Failureopinion essayIn year of 1963, Cuba was the tropical heaven of the Caribbean. People from all over the world would come to Cuba, the center of the cultural scene, to experience at least one Havana night. The island’s warm-hearted people, lively culture, and zestful music were the essences that caused hundreds to flock to Cuba to enjoy a night in paradise. One could walk through the streets and hear the Cuban anthems of Guantanamera, Conga Santiguera, and Candela, coming from the natives’ homes. However, a war was reaching its final act during the fiesta. During the Cold War, there came a point when the world was about to annihilate itself. The Cuban Missile Crisis, as a result, finally erupted. The battle between Russia and Cuba; and America was at its climax. Eventually, the United States’ intellectual strategies overpowered the Russians and Cubans, winning the war. All wars, nonetheless, come with their consequences. The penalty for Cuba was the Cuban Democracy Act, putting a blockade on the country from the United States. More than fifty years have pasted, and the writer’s question is why is this act still active. The Cuban Democracy’s Act failed in accomplishing its goals, and, thus, it is not necessary. On the contrary, it would benefit the United States if it were removed. It is time to finally take a step in the correct direction, and remove this act. If not now, when?
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the cuban democracy act is not necessary, but would benefit the united states if it were removed.
- Explains that the united states placed the embargo in 1960, one year before fidel castro became the dictator of cuba. the first objective was to give the cubans a better life, but it deprives them of technology.
- Argues that cuba's relationship with the soviet union during the cold war seemed unbreakable, but the present has proved the past erroneous.
- Explains that president john f. kennedy was an intelligent man and a wise man. he sent his press secretary to buy 1,200 cuban cigars the night before he signed the embargo.
- Opines that president obama has already eased the policy against cuba; it should be taken away all together. it would be better for the united states if it were lifted immediately.
824 wordsRead More - Cuba's socialist model has similarities with Venezuela, they both have the same root or ideal that has led to believe that they can achieve this political form, which can be set in a government where there is no doubt, resist or influence against repression of the United States; Castro and Chavez equals the same mechanism and the belief of his predestination to save their homelands. "Chavez has really embraced Castro's anti-Ame...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the similarities and differences between the cuban revolution and venezuela's bolivarian revolution.
- Explains that cuba's socialist model has similarities with venezuela, both have the same root or ideal that has led to believe that they can achieve this political form.
- Analyzes how hugo chavez and castro consolidated their power by ruling exhortations, slogans, and populist measures strong flavor. both were released after a short stay.
- Analyzes how the historic resource try to relate the personalities of the heroes of independence with their respective projects. castro proclaimed marti as the "mastermind", while chavez makes bolivar as his final inspiration.
- Compares the two leaders: fidel castro becomes civil military, while hugo chávez is a military.
- Explains venezuela is a social state of law and justice, while cuba is socialist and unitary republic.
- Analyzes how chavez and castro are in some ways different from one another, although the link between the two leaders had broken after chavez's death.
569 wordsRead More - Cuba’s Dangerousness Lawexplanatory essayFor years Cuba not only has been fighting for freedom, also several domestic issues are being part of the island’s national history. Human rights, prostitution; and poverty are part of the most relevant domestic issues that Cuba is facing until now dates. While the government has the primary responsibility and is particularly accountable for the full execution of the human rights inherent to all human beings, Cuba is part of many countries around the world where human rights are violate on a daily basis. As reported on the Country Reports on Human Rights for year 2013; Cuba is a country where the government organized mobs to assault and disperse those who sought to gather peacefully (Country Reports of Human Rights), the society in Cuba live without guarantee of basic individual freedoms of press, religion, association, speech, etc. Cuba count with a political system of abusive laws, corrupt institutions, and with a criminal code that allows the state to imprison individuals even before they committed a crime on the suspicion that they might commit one in the future. This is the Cuba’s “dangerousness” law, this repressive law categorize those who do not have the same ideas as the government or contradict socialist norms; as a potential threat or “dangerous”. The number of political prisoners increase every year, they are subject to criminal prosecution and they don’t have any guarantees since public hearings are conduct by incompetent and biased tribunals. Like Ramon Velasquez case, who was condemn to three years in prison in January 2007, after a “march of dignity” across Cuba to call for respect of human rights and freedom for political prisoners (Imprisoned for “Dangerousness” in Cuba). Unfortunately these type of detentions a...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that cuba's "dangerousness" law allows the state to imprison individuals even before they commit a crime on the suspicion that they might commit one in the future.
- Opines that cuba remains a country of repression and human rights violation. prostitution with children and adults has become one of the major attractions in cuba.
- Explains that prostitution is an option to survive due to the level of poverty in cuba, which affects not only jobs for cubans, but also millions of refugees, rationed food, and lack of housing.
779 wordsRead More - The Failure of the Cuban Revolutionanalytical essayIn the early hours of 1959, President Fulgencio Batista left Cuba and by doing so he set in motion the end of the democratic era for Cuba. Mainly due to social unrest and the political pressures from the country’s allies, the president had no other choice but to resign his post and leave. It is well known that he used repression to keep people from protesting against the widespread corruption existing in the country. Additionally, during his time in office, Cuba became the playground of many of the bosses of the organized crime. Regardless of these facts, the country used to be known for its blooming economy and beautiful infrastructure. Public transportation and the food supply were at the same levels as the United States and through hard work people were able to enjoy a decent life. As the revolution took over, promises were made to the people that a better society was going to be built. This new society was going to have no social discrimination or class distinctions. At the same time, the new government promised that the economy was going to supersede that of the previous years, that education and healthcare were going to improve and that free elections were going to be held within six months. After all these years, it has become apparent that the revolution has failed to fulfill the promises it made in 1959.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that president fulgencio batista left cuba in 1959 and set in motion the end of the democratic era for the country.
- Explains that batista's government was characterized by a brutal and bloody crackdown on those who did not agree with the government.
- Explains that the cuban constitution prohibits the exercise of rights that go against the ideology of the state.
- Analyzes how the cuban government has failed to fulfill its economic promises, social issues such as racial discrimination and prostitution are still a part of the country's society.
- Explains that the communist party of cuba, martian and marxist-leninist, is the superior leading force of the society and the state.
1256 wordsRead More