BackThe last rivalry
The restoring of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba marks the end of the last, and perhaps the most bitter, international conflict in the West
Premium
The restoring of diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba marks the end of the last, and perhaps the most bitter, international conflict in the Western world.
It can be argued that US President Barack Obama had little to lose in taking the step. The strong anti-communist expatriate Cuban community in Florida is not a part of the Democratic Party’s political support base.
Then again, as in good American tradition, second-term presidents devote political capital to legacy projects.
The obverse of this impending change is the ebbing of revolutionary fervour in Cuba. No political revolution can survive the destruction of its economic basis. The Cuban variant had a powerful emotional connect across continents. But once the Soviet subsidies stopped, it was only a matter of time before the revolution would run out of gas, or rum, if you so prefer.
All in all, liberal democracy has prevailed.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
