Discussing Strategies to Overcome Economic Sanctions Imposed by the U.S.: Interview with Llanisca Lugo
In a recent chat, I delved into the historical roots of imperialist policies plaguing Cuba and Venezuela. The Monroe Doctrine, first introduced in 1823, serves as a warning sign for today's political landscape. Initially created to combat European colonialism, it morphed into a justification for U.S. dominance.
In simple terms, the Monroe Doctrine announced Washington's intent to reign supreme in the Americas, stubbornly clinging to the belief that the United States has a divine right to exert its power. The easy motto, "Maximize profits with the least effort possible," has forever shaped the region's turbulent relationship with the U.S.
Looking at Cuba, this pattern becomes blatantly clear when you examine the twists and turns in our history. First, the U.S. tried to buy Cuba from Spain. Then, as we inched closer to independence, Washington interfered in our war of independence, even though our victory seemed imminent. This meddling set the stage for Cuba's de facto recolonization, despite its republican status on paper.
Post-Revolution (1959), the U.S. shifted its tactics from direct military intervention to economic warfare, implementing a policy of collective punishment. Havana's hotels, once catering to the Miami bourgeoisie, fell into decay under the brutal U.S. blockade. The aim? To weaken our revolutionary spirit and inspire frustration.
Venezuela, too, has faced a nine-year blockade aimed at overthrowing its current administration. But they're still standing tall. So why does Washington continue to pursue this self-defeating policy? Because, as history has shown us, imperialism is driven by blind ambition. It's unquenchable, suggesting that both nations will continue to endure imperialist threats.
Despite the crushing weight of these measures, the resilience of the Cuban and Venezuelan people has served as an inspiring reminder that we're anything but defeated. Solidarity is the key to surviving these dark times, and that's exactly what Llanisca Lugo, the International Solidarity Coordinator at the Martin Luther King Center in Havana, is working to cultivate.
But it's not just about standing our ground—we need to fight back. Collaborating and exchanging ideas with other nations facing similar challenges is vital in this battle. Venezuelan communes, born out of necessity, are a testament to unity and solidarity. Despite their imperfections, they are paving the way for a brighter future, setting an example for all who wish to challenge imperialism.
Lugo's continued dedication to organizing grassroots movements and fostering revolutionary spirit among the younger generation highlights our commitment to resisting imperialist forces and carving out a new path for ourselves. Let's faithful reclaim ourrevolutionary history and forge our own destiny, together.
Sources:Monroe Doctrine and Imperialism: - 1823 Monroe Doctrine - Smithsonian National Museum of American History - A Latin American Perspective on the Monroe Doctrine's Influence - Brown University - The Effects of Economic Sanctions and Blockades - Council on Foreign Relations
Cuban Independence and Imperialism: - Cuban War of Independence - Britannica - Declaration of Independence (Cuba) - 1902 - The Platt Amendment - University of Rhode Island Library
Ideological Shifts and Sanctions: - Manifest Destiny - Library of Congress - Roosevelt Corollary - Harvard University - Cuban Embargo - Council on Foreign Relations - Venezuelan Sanctions - Truthout
- The Monroe Doctrine, first instituted in 1823, has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape, serving as a precursor to modern-day imperialist policies against Cuba and Venezuela.
- Post-Revolution (1959), the U.S. implemented economic sanctions against Cuba, resulting in the decay of Havana's hotels that once catered to the Miami bourgeoisie under the brutal U.S. blockade.
- Similarly, Venezuela has endured a nine-year blockade aimed at overthrowing its current administration, but the country has managed to withstand the imperialist pressure.
- In the contemporary context, the resilience of the Cuban and Venezuelan people serves as an inspiration for movements aimed at resisting imperialist threats, such as those led by Llanisca Lugo, the International Solidarity Coordinator at the Martin Luther King Center in Havana.
