Cuba and Russia at a Time of Change

Significant change is taking place in Cuban society with this also occurring in the island’s foreign policy, evidenced by Raúl Castro and Barack Obama shaking hands in December 2013. Havana’s relationship with Moscow also appears to be evolving and is at its most robust since the end of Cuba-Soviet relations in late 1991, demonstrated by Raúl Castro and Dmitry Medvedev having both twice visited Moscow and Havana, respectively since 2008. This article examines the foundations, and theoretical underpinnings, of the bilateral relationship before examining it in detail in the post-Soviet era and specifically since August 2006 when Raúl Castro replaced Fidel Castro as the President of Cuba. It posits that although change is occurring in the relationship it is not as pronounced as that which is taking place within Cuban society as many of the foundations of the relationship remain the same as that of the post-Soviet period and even the Soviet period. This is particularly the case with regards the Cuban ruling elite’s thinking towards the relationship. It also suggests that Cuban-Russian relations are likely to remain unchanged in the short to medium term.