The Cuban Revolution: Origins, Course, and Legacy

In this scholarly overview, Perez-Stable analyzes the origins, development and the potential future of the Cuban revolution. Starting with a summary of Cuban politics before Castro's takeover, she investigates the formation of the Cuban Communist Party and its relation to the trade unions and the formidable Federation of Cuban Women, then takes a close look at the Rectification Campaign, launched in 1986, which sought to improve the failing Cuban economy. Perez-Stable also describes how the Cuban leadership is dealing with the gradual breakdown of socialism and the economic problems that have arisen since the end of the Cold War. Even in the face of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the loss of Cuba's lifeline to Moscow, the author insists that Washington is intent on undermining future prospects for political stability in the island nation. A study heavy with statistics, this authoritative work will be of interest primarily to specialists. Perez-Stable is an associate professor of sociology at the State University of New York. (Oct.)