Due to the breakdown of his health, he promptly announced on July 31, 2006 that Proclamation from the Commander to the Cuban Peopelin which he referred to his responsibilities, there was an understandable concern about the continuity of Fidel Castro’s work. But it was natural that such concerns had come before.
One of the reasons was that it may have given the revolutionary projects more strength and vulnerability at the same time: the vital link between their permanence and their distinguished personalities. If the enthusiasm generated by this bond guarantees the ideals it defends,it also involves risks.
Even if the leader’s respect is deserved – or perhaps especially if he is – his death could have a greater impact on the project than the maneuvers of his enemies to devalue him by calling him a cult of personality. The links between the guide and the revolutionary project can find aspects that would be expected, above all, in religious beliefs, but this is the case even in completely secular efforts, which do not seem to be the most common in the world.
The assignment of elements that can be described as mystical to revolutionary projects may succeed in different intentions,but it is not without foundation. I another text the author of this article recalled what is called revolutionary mystique. There is even a semantic link between revolution y faiththe last word referring to an act reconnect. Its meaning includes “reunion” and “reunion of one metal with another”,which ultimately leads to changing realities and their origins and purposes.
the revolutionary desire requires clarity that overcomes the enormous obstacles that must be faced, but it is not worth accepting with the coldness of pragmatic accounting: it requires tenacity and dreams, and a persuasive will that will reach the level of preaching, even if only. he is worldly, even an atheist. And apart from generalizations and trivia,a leader’s value to the project he or she represents finds its mark.
The leadership of someone with the wisdom, status as a founder, charisma and a life marked by achievements – and by the failures of the enemy who tried to assassinate him – would undoubtedly be extraordinary.This directive would acquire an inalienable authority, unless it is accepted collectively and with the greatest fidelity to the purposes it defends. An exceptional leader like Fidel Castro does not appear every five years and everywhere, and there is no cadre policy that mechanically guarantees his appearance.
What can we say about the Leader, with a capital letter, who earned the respect of the people, as a symbol in phrases like “If Fidel only knew!” and others of a similar nature that were revalidated after his death, until a retelling took place with a clear resonance: “With Fidel alive, another rooster hatched”? For people who are used to feeling safe under the leadership of a leader as complete as he seems with political intelligence and an example of total commitment to his mission, it would be very challenging to expect other models. Hence the great challenge for those whose mission it was to continue their work.
consecration and success in taking on such a challenge will ensure the respect and trust of the people, and needless comparisons, even if well-intentioned, will be despised much more than those aimed at creating divisions. There is something that is no longer talked about, but for years there were frequent verbal exchanges causing a seismicity of frustration, such as, between the young Marx and the mature Marx.
In any case, a leader like Fidel Castro, who made nature to break schemes and create new paradigms, does not fit what is standardized, and his people will not be satisfied with arguments like resignation. Regardless, it is true that, for the most part, countries have leaders who are no more than excellent people, and sometimes they don’t seem to go much beyond the norm.
Fidel was created in a national political tradition where he found not only the nurturing background provided by many extraordinary patriots: there he found the exceptional revolutionary that he surpassed with the universality of his ideas. That was the intellectual author of the work he did – as a visible date – since 1953.
Underline the element universalitysince it seemed that the often legitimate concerns about the fate of Cuba without Fidel alive, and about who would replace him, got stuck in a district that did not match the greatness of the Leader who earned great respect the people of the world
The author of this article was thinking about this reality when he remembered – probably from the beginning of the 2000s, according to chronological indications that are vivid in his memory - the words of a wise friend with whom he was talking about the realities of our America: “Two heads are beaten by Cuba”. So, with the wit of the ball, the friend referred to the continuity between Simón Bolívar, José Martí and Fidel Castro.
No one comes out of the air, unless he is a divinely made Adam, but this example is nothing more than a strange metaphor for the evolution of humanity, except for some biblical fundamentals, which will have different signs , because there are so-called marxists. . Bolívar also had roots and a context, like Martí and Fidel, and the continuity between them was felt especially in what our america suffered at the end of the last century and, above all, at the beginning of the day current.
The revolutionary apogee – progress , or whatever it is called – experienced in the region especially in those years, scared the Empire that was resolute to continue to lead our people and maintain he avoids global hegemony. In 2014, a discerning Caesar realized that the time had come announce he it is possible ending the blockade of cuba.
Despite the enormous damage done to this country, the blockade did not achieve its purpose: to suffocate it. Rather, it isolated the United States, which was evident not only in the UN votes against the blockade, but also, or primarily, in reactions against that nation’s runaway government and its extensive record of riots and disturbances of all kinds, including darkness. Condor Plan.
The ploy to change the face would include the rebellion of not only Cuba, but also Bolivarian Venezuela. This, on the path of resistance led by the Cuban revolution, became a direct driving force in the area’s anti-imperialist upsurge. In his plans to neutralize Cuba, the Caesar visited Havana, and from here he went to Buenos Aires – to Argentina under the chairmanship of Mauricio Macri - to create plans against Venezuela: if it was extinguished it would is a surefire way to shut down cuba.
History has placed these two countries in a important relationship for the continent, and even for the world. And that relationship contributed to the continuity between Simón Bolívar, José Martí and Fidel Castro, to include Hugo Chávez: a cycle that is open to new milestones, as seen in the highest moments of progress that must be urgently recovered.The desperate measures of American imperialism and the native right to prevent it are not coincidental.
In Chávez, Fidel recognized an ideological son, who declared that he was proud of that affinity.The Cuban leader confirmed the scope of his vision by entrusting Chávez with whom he faced not only the reactionary forces of our America: he also expected those on the left who were slow to assess the revolutionary cabal of Venezuela.
One fact could make it difficult to fully understand the continuity of Bolívar-Martí-Fidel-Chávez: their recent milestones were contemporaneous and, moreover, the youngest was the first of them to die. But just as Fidel found his eternal guide in Martí, Chávez found his political father in Fidel, of whom he became his visible successor, his continental representative, which both showed signs of being aware of. If they tried to assassinate Fidel again and again, they may have at least succeeded in hastening the death of Chávez, which does not seem to be clear enough.
In our towns, the revolutionaries of previous times naturally suffered from the death of their guides and inspirations, but they did not drown in mourning: to truly honor them, they accepted the tasks that came from that poetry and from the demands of reality. Nothing diminishes, but rather increases, the individual and collective duty of those people in Venezuela and Cuba, and throughout the Americas, who pledge to defend revolutionary ideas so that they may win. The more ethical and complete your commitment to this struggle, the higher your standing in it.
To speak specifically about Cuba, revolutionaries, whatever their concern, must think of the highest achievement of the goals, inherited by Martí and Fidel, that have not yet been achieved, and those that arises from that task. There’s also no reason to idealize heroes who don’t need it. No matter how brilliant and talented he is,no revolutionary politician will be able to do everything he proposes.
Faced with the fact that it is easier to propose the dismantling of an old world than the world that should be built in its place, it is the duty of the people – more precisely, the revolutionary majority - expressed by Ernesto Che Guevara in his letter-essay. “Socialism and man in Cuba”. He summed it up by defining how it effectively works, or should it workthe relationship between leader, leader and mass, which must not be an amorphous and guided crowd, but an active and demanding troop.
Thoroughly identified with Fidel, Che included the democracy required by a popular revolution to ensure the power of the people, and with his intensity he dedicated a model of behavior. In the text quoted he said: “This is how we march. At the head of the great column—we are not ashamed or intimidated to say it—is Fidel, thus, the best Guard in the Party, and instantly, so close that his enormous strength is felt, the people in general go.” He defined it as “a strong framework of individuality that walks towards a common goal; individuals who have achieved awareness of what needs to be done; men who fight to leave the realm of need and enter the realm of freedom.”
That should be it essentially requires ethical behavior,first of all,from leaders,but also from all the forces interested in maintaining the right course.The “huge crowd” must organize itself and respond to “awareness of need,” so that it is indeed only a “dispersed force, divisible into thousands of fractions shot into space like fragments of a grenade, trying to do. to achieve a position in any way, while struggling closely with their equals, which allows support against an uncertain future.” These are ideals that don’t fit the mold of capitalism.
cover photo: Roberto Chile.
How can contemporary revolutionary movements learn from Fidel Castro’s legacy while adapting to current social and political challenges?
time.news Interview: The Legacy of Fidel Castro and the Future of Revolutionary Leadership
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest joining us to discuss the profound implications of fidel Castro’s leadership on Cuba and broader revolutionary movements in latin America. Dr. Laura Hernández, a historian and expert on revolutionary ideologies, is here to share her insights.Thank you for being with us, Dr. Hernández.
Dr. Hernández: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive in.When Fidel Castro announced his ill health in 2006 and his subsequent proclamation to the Cuban people, it sparked widespread concern about the continuity of his revolutionary vision. What were some of the specific fears that people had at that time?
Dr. Hernández: That moment marked a critical juncture for Cuba and the revolutionary ideals Castro embodied. many feared that his departure would destabilize the foundational principles of the revolution, which were closely tied to his persona.It wasn’t just about fears of losing a leader; it was about possibly losing the very essence of the revolution itself—the connection between castro and the Cuban people was profound, almost mystical.
Editor: You mentioned a “mystical link” between leaders and their movements. Can you elaborate on that notion and how it influenced revolutionary projects?
Dr. Hernández: Absolutely. The idea of a “revolutionary mystique” suggests that transformative social movements often draw on deep-seated belief systems,akin to religious faith. Leaders like Castro inspire a strong sense of loyalty and commitment, linking their personal narratives to the broader revolutionary ideals. This not only galvanizes support but also poses a risk—if the leader falters or dies, the movement may struggle to maintain its momentum and coherence. The challenge lies in nurturing a collective identity that transcends individual personalities.
Editor: That’s a captivating perspective. Can we talk about the nature of leadership in this context? The article hinted that achieving a leader of Castro’s caliber is rare. What does this mean for the future of revolutionary movements?
Dr. Hernández: the article rightly points out that extraordinary leaders—those who combine charisma,vision,and a deep commitment to their cause—are not easily found. Castro represented a unique synthesis of these qualities,along with considerable intellect and determination. For contemporary movements, the challenge is to build leadership that resonates with the people while maintaining the ideals that drove the revolution. This requires cultivating a new generation of leaders who can inspire commitment in the same way Castro did.
Editor: Speaking of commitment, there were critically important comparisons drawn between Castro and other giants of Latin American history, like Simón Bolívar and José Martí. How did their legacies interact, particularly in the context of Cuban and Venezuelan relations?
Dr. Hernández: The interconnections between these figures create a rich tapestry of revolutionary thought and action. Castro viewed Chávez as an ideological son, and their partnership was crucial for fostering an anti-imperialist sentiment in the region. Both leaders drew upon the revolutionary philosophies of Bolívar and Martí. This continuity reflects not only a shared struggle against external powers but also an ongoing dialog about social justice and sovereignty in Latin America.
editor: The article also addresses the U.S.blockade and its implications for Cuba. How did the struggle against this blockade shape both the Cuban revolution and regional dynamics?
Dr. Hernández: The blockade was intended to suffocate Cuba economically and politically, but instead, it galvanized the Cuban people and intensified their resolve.It also isolated the U.S. internationally, especially given the growing solidarity among many Latin American nations. This dynamic not only reinforced Cuba’s revolutionary identity but also gave rise to regional alliances aimed at resisting U.S. hegemony, demonstrating how external pressures can sometimes inadvertently strengthen revolutionary resolve.
Editor: Lastly, with Fidel Castro’s legacy looming large, what shoudl younger generations take away from his life and the evolution of revolutionary movements today?
dr. Hernández: The legacy of Fidel Castro teaches that strong vision and determination can lead to profound change,but it also cautions against dependency on singular figures. today’s movements must learn from his methods while also fostering inclusivity and collective leadership. It’s vital for new leaders to emerge who can resonate with contemporary challenges while upholding the ideals of social equity and justice that Castro championed. Future change must be rooted in broad-based participation and empowerment rather than charismatic authority alone.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hernández,for this enlightening discussion on Fidel Castro’s impact and the complexities of revolutionary leadership. your insights will surely provoke thought and inspire future dialogues on Latin American struggles for justice and autonomy.
Dr. Hernández: It was my pleasure. Thank you for having me.