Leadership in the Cuban Revolution

Much of the conventional literature on, and most media readings of, the Cuban Revolution have tended to be mesmerised by the personality and role of Fidel Castro, an interpretation which has often prevented a deeper political understanding of the Revolution's underlying structures, bases of popular loyalty and ethos of participation. In this groundbreaking work, Anthony Kapcia offers a much-needed corrective to 'Fidel-centric' histories of the Cuban revolution, focussing instead on a wider cast of characters unknown to casual observers of the post-1959 process. Besides the more obvious (albeit often misunderstood) contributions from Che Guevara and Raul Castro, each decade since has seen several key players involved in the processes of decision-making, often making a significant difference to the outcome of debates, decisions and definitions. As well as analysing their influence, Kapcia interprets their various roles within a wider process of nation-building, demonstrating that Cuba has undergone an unusual, if not unique, process of revolutionary corporatism. Essential reading for anyone interested in Cuba's history and its possible future direction.