Russia and Cuba deepen relations
A historic relation enters a new stage amid worldwide change
The complicated question of the collapse of the Soviet Union can perhaps be understood as a consequence of unresolved contradictions since the time of Stalin combined with betrayal by certain key actors. The result was not Western style “liberty” but control of the country by the mafia and economic hardship for the people.
Western mainstream commentators assume that Putin’s recent victory by a strong margin in the presidential elections is a consequence of electoral fraud and authoritarian rule. The assumption is based not only in a Cold War mentality but also on a lack of appreciation for what Putin has meant for Russia.
Putin possesses the capacity to speak honestly and accurately concerning the contradictions of the Soviet Union. He was capable of building a coalition of forces that was able to take back control of the country from the mafia. He has forged a new nationalism based in defending Russian interests and territory in the face of Western economic imperiali…