The Potential for Conflict Between Soviet and Cuban Policies in the Third World,
Abstract
The Soviet Union and Cuba have stirred up considerable controversy by their participation in the confusing national liberation struggles of the Third World. Analysts in the West have puzzled over the exact nature of the relationship between the two countries, for in places like Angola and Ethiopia, it has appeared that Cuba is providing the muscle and firepower, while the USSR is providing the money and brainpower. One of the commonest explanations is that the Cubans are playing a simple surrogate role in the Third World, repaying their large economic debt to the Soviet Union by taking orders from that superpower in its bid for influence among the developing countries. However, other have argued quite convincingly that Cuba is not performing as a Soviet proxy, in Africa or elsewhere. This paper will first discuss the evolution of the current relationship between the USSR and Castro's Cuba, highlighting areas where different approaches to a problem have resulted in policy conflict or independent action. Next, the paper will cover possible areas where conflict could develop out of present Soviet-Cuban cooperation in the Third World. These speculations will reflect past differences in behavior, as discussed in the first section. Finally, the paper will conclude with some ideas concerning the essential nature of the Soviet-Cuban allied relationship, including consideration of the influence to be gained by smaller nations in their dealings with the great powers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA120706
Entities
People
- Rose E. Gottemoeller
Organizations
- RAND Corporation