Transnational Ties and Transformation of Cuban Socialism

Abstract

Cuba’s world changed dramatically between 1989 and 1991 when the former Soviet bloc countries suddenly transitioned to market democracies, most of all when the Soviet Union joined the dustbin of history. At the time, trade accounted for approximately half of the island’s gross national product, and Soviet allied countries for 85 per cent of that trade. Allies of 30 years left Cuba to fend for itself with no forewarning. Under the circumstances, Cuba’s economy contracted, over 30 per cent in four years.¹