Understanding the Place of Cuban Internationalism

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.13169/intejcubastud.5.1.0006
• Pages: 6-9
• Published date: 01 April 2013
• Date: 01 April 2013
• Author: Robert Huish,Sarah A. Blue

I J  C S 5.1 S 2013

underStandIng the PlaCe of Cuban

InternatIonalISm

Robert Huish and Sarah A. Blue

Guest editors

For this issue of the International Journal of Cuban Studies we have selected three

articles that explore dimensions of Cuba’s unique approach to the international

development landscape. The term ‘Cuban internationalism’ encompasses the

country’s broad approach to dynamic global relations that intersect economic

trade, bilateral diplomacy, and social development. The authors in this issue are

all careful to avoid the terminology of diplomacy, outreach or aid as the sole

def‌ining characteristics of Cuba’s international relations. To us, this signif‌ies an

important recognition in the Cuban studies literature about how Cuba connects to

the world. It is a mix between securing the nation’s own interests, while providing

valuable cooperation abroad. It follows the idea of soft power, as the ability to

hold international inf‌luence through constructive engagement rather than military

prowess. Cooperation is not purely philanthropic as the internationalisation of

health and other sectors such as sport, agriculture and education, has noticeable

benef‌its to the Cuban economy. At the same time Cuba’s outreach to countries

like Timor-Leste comes with minimal economic gain. Cuban internationalism

encompasses this complex, and at times seemingly contradictory, mix of economic

gain, opportunism, outreach, philanthropy, aid, solidarity and cooperation. It is

perhaps one of the most uniquely integrated approaches to foreign relations in

the world.

The Cuban government has employed a highly distinctive approach to

international relations that removes raw market-based incentive structures and

incorporates progressive social development. Few nations have dedicated off‌ices

to integrate programmes in these related f‌ields into conjoined foreign policy

and development ministries. In many countries, especially in the global North,

Foreign Affairs is kept quite separate from national health services. Diplomats

communicate off‌icially between heads of state, promoting their nation’s political

and economic interests abroad. Health workers may volunteer their time for

international outreach throughout the year, but for a nation to actively employ

its own medical experts for the service of others is quite rare indeed. Technical

and professional training in the global North primarily occurs within the realm

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