| Popis: |
This chapter analyzes the origins, achievements, and failures of Latin American socialism, focusing on Cuba and Venezuela as case studies. It explores how socialism affected politics, the economy, relations between social classes, and racial and gender equality. Cuban socialism emerged as the epilogue to a long struggle against the violent dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. The backdrop for Batista’s rise and the socialist revolution to follow dates from earlier in the history of the island nation, and is rooted, at least in part, in the relationship with its powerful neighbor to the north, the United States. For both Cuba and Venezuela, the adoption of socialism as a road to economic development and social equality brought both stunning achievements and bitter failures. The reasons each country adopted the strategy were distinct, shaped by historical circumstances, economic potentiality, and powerful personalities. In the economic sphere, Venezuelan socialism was unique. In every way, it bore the stamp of Chavez’s leadership. |
