Adherence and Renewal

In the early 1990s, Cuban socialism was plunged into a state of internal and external distress due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the drastic changes in Eastern Europe ^[1]. After entering the "Special Period in Time of Peace," Cuba successively experienced historical stages including crisis management, arduous recovery, the "Battle of Ideas," and the "Updating" of its model. Faced with the ever-changing global context, domestic conditions, and Party circumstances ^[2], the Communist Party of Cuba has consistently upheld the path of socialism with Cuban characteristics. It has sought new opportunities and a new stage for the development of Cuban socialism by initiating the theorization and institutionalization of this model Updating. Currently, the Updating of the Cuban model faces multiple tests across political, economic, social, and external relations. This book attempts to trace the developmental trajectory of Cuban socialism following the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, summarize the basic experiences and characteristics of Cuba's socialist economic construction and model Updating, and analyze the globalized challenges and prospects for the Updating of Cuban socialism.

Author Biography He Qin is the Director and Associate Research Fellow of the Department of Contemporary World Socialism Studies within the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Her primary research interests include Marxism, socialism, and leftist ideologies and movements in Spanish-speaking countries. She has published the monograph Alternative Integration Movements in Latin America and co-authored four volumes, including Cuba (Historical Records of Nations). She has published over 40 academic papers, such as "An Analysis of the Historical Origins and Essence of '21st Century Socialism' in Latin America," "Theoretical Concerns and Developmental Trends of Spanish Marxism since the 21st Century," and "Experiences and Inspirations from Cuba’s Response to Population Aging."

Table of Contents Chapter 1: Cuban Socialism Before the Drastic Changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe (1) Section 1: From the War of Independence to the Victory of the Cuban Revolution (1) Section 2: The Course of Socialist Construction in Cuba Prior to the Drastic Changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe (9)

Chapter 2: The Ordeal and Perseverance of the Special Period in Time of Peace (23) Section 1: The Impact of the Drastic Changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe on Cuban Socialism (23) Section 2: Reform and Recovery during the Special Period in Time of Peace (27)

Chapter 3: The Launch and Deepening of the Updating of the Economic Model (62) Section 1: The Convening of the Sixth Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Launch of the Model Updating (62) Section 2: The Convening of the Seventh Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Deepening of the Model Updating (74)

Chapter 4: The Strategy and Practice of Cuba’s Island-Nation Diplomacy (90) Section 1: Exploration and Expansion of Cuba's Pluralistic Diplomacy (90) Section 2: The Evolution and Prospects of Cuba-U.S. Relations (104)

Chapter 5: Opportunities and Challenges Facing Cuban Socialism (110) Section 1: Experiences and Achievements of Cuban Socialism (110) Section 2: Problems and Challenges Facing Cuban Socialism (125)

Conclusion: Where is Cuban Socialism Heading? (137) Appendix I: Key Cuban Websites (145) Appendix II: Guidelines on the Economic and Social Policy of the Party and the Revolution (147) Appendix III: Main Report to the Sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (183) Main Bibliography (202) Postscript (205)

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