One country that is synonymous with Communism is Cuba. Whether or not you like or dislike Communism, this is irrelevant when talking about Cuba politics. Cuba is the largest island of the West Indies and forms, with various adjacent islands, the Republic of Cuba. The climate in Cuba is considered semi-tropical, while there is periods of extreme heat, they are not as common or severe as other countries in the nearby area.

Cuba was governed under a constitution which they adopted in 1976. Cuba politics defined the country as a socialist state in which all power belongs to the working people. The Communist Party is Cuba’s only legal political party. Although Cuba has endured several revolution’s throughout its history, none is more interesting and significant than the Fidel Castro regime.

Cuba Politics and Fidel Castro

The Castro regime exhibited a leftist tendency that always seemed to worry the United States’ interests in the land. The most significant event to occur in the 1960’s was the Cuban missile crisis that occurred between Cuba and the United States. Due to a deteriorating relationship over a period of several years, a fear of war and nuclear missiles haunted the citizens of Cuba and the United States.

The Cuban Missile Crisis will forever be remembered as a time of darkness and confusion between Cuba and the United States. In the mid 1970’s, Cuba finally seemed to emerge out of its diplomatic isolation and even started to repair some of its diplomatic issues with the United States. Travel restrictions were lifted between the two countries and there were even offices established in each other’s countries for the first time. These two events seemed literally impossible during the missile crisis, this was a massive leap forward for Cuba’s appearance in society.

Cuba has long been associated with the leadership of Fidel Castro, but that has recently changed. Due to a decline in health, Castro decided to relinquish his role as President in favour of his cousin, Raul Castro who assumed power on 24th February 2008.

Government in Cuba Politics

The executive branch in Cuba consists currently of Raul Castro, sole leader of and ultimate authority of Cuba. As previously mentioned, this role was famously held by Fidel Castro and is seen as a position of immense wealth and power. Unlike other countries, the President of Cuba is feared and his position is one of ultimate power.

The legislative branch in Cuba consists of the National Assembly of People’s Power, which consists of 609 members who hold sessions to ratify decisions made by the executive branch, or in short President Castro. These members are held to an election every five years, so their position is not considered secure. Voting against the executive is a sure way of making sure that you do not get re-elected when your term is up in five years.

Socialism in Cuba Politics

Cuba is a country that is often misread and misunderstood. Communism is clearly the focus in Cuba, and because of that they are viewed as being Socialists and radicals. Most people in North America are anti-Communist and anti-Socialist, which is why Cuba is often seen in a negative way in non-Communist countries.

Fidel’s power lasted decades longer than any person thought that it would. It is true that in the past the United States attempted to establish coups that would undermine Castro’s power and see him get thrown out of office. Cuban Communism works great for those who relish the system, and horribly for those who choose to not conform. Because of this, there are many supporters of Communism and an even larger number of activists who are against it.