Havana and Moscow in the Post-Soviet World

Abstract

The relationship that developed between Cuba and Moscow in the aftermath of the victory of the Cuban Revolution would last for over 30 years and was both vital to the survival of Fidel Castro’s regime and an aid to propel the Cuban government to the forefront of international relations during the Cold War. This was truly remarkable for a small Caribbean island. However, very soon after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in late 1991, diplomatic relations retained very little of this “special” relationship. This changed in the twenty-first century and the relationship remains important for both countries, as illustrated in late 2008 and early 2009 by Dmitry Medvedev and Raúl Castro, who were travelling to Havana and Moscow, respectively.