On January 30, The New York Times' Michael Schwirtz reported that Russia's president Dmitri Medvedev and Cuban leader Raúl Castro "signed a strategic partnership and several other documents…aimed at rekindling an alliance that collapsed after the cold war." The reestablishment of diplomatic affairs between the two countries ensures Russia's continued presence in Latin American affairs. Also, the political alliance indicates ongoing tension between Russia and the United States. Overall, the economic ties between Russia and Cuba are troubling to the United States, since both countries have exhibited anti-capitalist sentiments.
Cuba's cooperation with Russia stems from economic difficulties provoked by the current financial crisis along with an increase in oil prices. Cuba will attempt to reverse the effects of the economic downturn by expanding "cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, science and tourism" with Russia. In return, Russia has promised a $20 million loan to help develop Cuba's infrastructure along with its energy and agricultural sectors. Trade between the two countries has reportedly increased by 26 percent, indicating that these political ties seem to be economically beneficial for Cuba.
Undoubtedly, Russian involvement in Cuban affairs is driven by recent political disputes with the United States. In the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Georgia was promised an invitation to join NATO, a decision strongly opposed by Putin. Russian-American relations worsened during the Georgia-Russia Conflict when the United States openly supported Georgian anti-Russian policies, attempting to prevent a modern day Russian "sphere of influence." Historical tension continues to persist between Russia and the United States.
Russia's government is fully aware that Latin American affairs were neglected under the Bush administration due to the current war in Iraq. Cuba, as established in the Cold War, is a strategic ally during times of tense Russian-American relations. Russia was reportedly the first country to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba this past fall of 2008 after a series of devastating hurricanes. Russia reportedly provided medicines, construction supplies and a "delivery of 25,000 tons of grain" to the island. Russia's willingness to supply the humanitarian aid in such a crisis demonstrates its desire to strengthen its ties with Cuba.
Although Cuba is willing to participate in the alliance, it is relatively skeptical of Russia's reliability. The Soviet Union, during its collapse, withdrew all financial support from Cuba, leaving the country vulnerable to economic ruin. Despite Russia's attempts to remediate the past abandonment, its efforts will be limited due to the current global financial crisis. Nonetheless, Cuba will advocate for stronger economic ties with Russia with the hopes of improving its current economic state.
Although the Russian-Cuban alliance is troubling to the United States, the collaboration between the two nations is an inevitable consequence of the embargo. Cuba's strenuous financial situation is the result of American insistence to avoid economic ties with communist countries, although such a policy has proven to be somewhat hypocritical, as demonstrated by the United States' trade agreement with China.
Perhaps the most effective way of improving U.S. relations with Cuba, and discouraging "unfavorable" alliances, would be to lift the embargo. The embargo has not deterred Cuba's communist leanings. Cuba may be inclined to consider the benefits of open market dealings with the United States if the embargo is eradicated. Economic progress within the island could help shift political leanings that would be more favorable to the United States.
The possibility of an embargo lift seems more reasonable with Cuba's current President, Raúl Castro, whose policies have demonstrated to be less restrictive than those established by Fidel Castro. Raúl's recent political agreement with Medvedev is less ideologically based and more economically driven. In other words, Raúl Castro will be more likely to develop political alliances based on economic gain. Hopefully, Russia's dealings with Cuba will serve as an incentive for the United States to reconsider the embargo.
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