An eclectic collection

George Lambie argues that one of the strengths of the IJCS is its acceptance of variety - which reflects the complexity and inclusiveness of the Cuban revolution itself.

Within the general thematic focus of Cuba-UK relations, this issue also includes a wide-ranging collection of topics and concepts, especially in the sections on science and society; diplomatic relations; and civil society collaboration.

Beginning the first section, Marisa Wilson's essay takes the original approach of examining responses to shortages and need in Cuba through the perspective of irony and humour. Surprisingly, perhaps, she reveals that - rather than a form of counter-hegemony - these sentiments serve to reinforce revolutionary stoicism and commitment. A Cuban-Spanish contribution from Consuelo Prado Martinez et al discusses some interesting correlations between nutrition, health and aging in Cuba: they also remind us that, although Cuba is a developing country, it has First World social statistics and concerns. Brian Pollitt's essay on the shift from a predominantly sugar export economy to one that relies increasingly on the export of services is well researched and convincing. He concludes that Cuba must find ways to re-engage its agricultural orientation, but with domestic priorities in mind.

Moving to diplomacy, the interview between Patrick Pietroni and HE Dianna Melrose, the British Ambassador in Havana, takes up again the theme of UK-Cuban relations. The current state of play is described by the Ambassador as "constructive engagement". Although co-operation in the prevention of drugs smuggling in the Caribbean is only touched upon in the interview, it arguably represents the best example of such "engagement". This also holds true for US-Cuban relations where similar co-operation is taking place: it seems that, privately, both sides are expressing mutual admiration and respect, in what is becoming a successful joint operation. The improvement in EU-Cuban relations is also important and may lead to a strengthening of European links with Cuba. During the interview the Ambassador gives a personal perspective on Cuba, which demonstrates her excellent knowledge of the island and willingness to be objective.

Balance and objectivity continues in Pietroni's second interview with the Cuban Ambassador to the UK, HE René Mujíca Cantelar. While showing some understandable indignation with aspects of Western policy towards Cuba, Mujíca speaks enthusiastically about improving EU-Cuban relations and demonstrates his personal, as well as professional, commitment to strengthening links with the UK. In response to a question concerning the possibility of introducing more market mechanisms in Cuba he does not discount some further experimentation, but insists that such developments could only be considered with a view to "strengthening the socialist model". In the midst of global economic crisis and the failure of 'market fundamentalism' some developing countries may wish they had a similar option. This section ends with several outstanding sketches by former British Ambassador to Cuba, John Dew, which not only capture the decaying splendour of Old Havana, but also illustrate the new revolutionary rôle of buildings as social space.

The section on civil society collaboration begins with an explanation by Brian Roper, the former Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, of the University's interests in Cuba. Several British universities have links with Cuba, but only LondonMet, with the support its VC, has developed an extensive and coherent programme of co-operation of which the International Institute for the Study of Cuba is a part. This programme is particularly opportune as Cuba's influence increases in Latin America, offering the university a conduit through which to explore regional possibilities for collaboration in an exciting and changing environment. Roper's initiative is particularly commendable given that the UK university sector is still dominated by ideological prejudice in favour of mainstream neo-liberal values, especially at the higher levels - which excludes any possibility of supporting, and taking advantage of, progressive economic and social developments in other parts of the world. Another important initiative is Nottingham University's Cuba Research Programme, which, under the expert guidance of Tony Kapcia, has produced viable and highly respected academic links with Cuba.

The next two contributions deal with other areas of collaboration with Cuba. The first is based on interviews conducted by Patricia Daniel with members of the Cuban Federation of Women (FMC) and the Cuban Workers Congress (CTC). This enquiry reveals some interesting Cuban perspectives on the need for international support among women in the face of the global economic crisis. In the second, Christine Coates, librarian of the TUC's Library Collections (held at LondonMet since 1996), provides valuable information on resources available on Cuban and Caribbean labour history.

Continuing the theme of UK links with Cuba, Maia Jones and Selwyn Williams explore, from a Marxist perspective, solidarity between Wales and Cuba. This essay provides a well-structured theoretical analysis, exploring a number of ways in which these two essentially disparate nations have established popular links based on perceived commonalities and shared experiences.

The final article in this issue is a provocative piece by Steve Ludlam, arguing that extreme Cuban elements in Miami - who are implacably opposed to the Castro government - have their roots in Batista's armed forces and intelligence services. Using experience gleaned under the dictator they have been able to establish a disproportionate influence over the Cuban community in Miami and, as clearly seen in former President Bush's disputed re-election, even over national US politics.

It is encouraging that, rather than losing energy after a strong first issue, the journal has gone on to produce two more issues which are equally impressive. Although many academic journals seek success by narrowing their focus, the IJSC - while still promoting academic rigour - has sought instead to encourage an eclectic range of contributions. This acceptance of variety is becoming one of the strengths of the journal, and can be said to reflect the complexity and inclusiveness of the Cuban revolution itself.

George Lambie is Co-Director of the International Public Administration Unit at De Montfort University, UK and Co-Editor of the International Journal of Cuban Studies.

Copyright

Copyright for this work is held jointly between George Lambie and the International Journal of Cuban Studies under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative 3.0 Licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

IJCS Volume 2 Issue 1 June 2009