Cuba-US relations from 1902 to the present

This study examines the political developments in Cuba from its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1492 to the present day, adopting a chronological and analytical approach. It begins with the Spanish colonial era, details the American intervention in 1898, and analyzes the so-called independence declared in 1902. The research then explores Cuba's political ruptures throughout the 20th century, including authoritarian regimes and the transition to a socialist system following the 1959 revolution. The new government under Fidel Castro forged close ties with the Soviet Union, positioning Cuba as a central actor in the Cold War. The severance of diplomatic ties with the United States in 1961, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the 1962 Missile Crisis laid the foundation for long-standing tensions between the two nations. The study also investigates Cuba's domestic political landscape, economic reforms, and geopolitical stance in Latin America after the revolution. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered a severe crisis for Cuba, which the country attempted to overcome through various strategies. Since the 2000s, relations with the United States have fluctuated: the rapprochement initiated during Barack Obama's presidency was disrupted under Donald Trump, and strategic ambiguity has continued under Joe Biden. Today, Cuba's political structure remains grounded in its revolutionary legacy, while simultaneously exhibiting efforts to adapt to global dynamics. This thesis focuses on the interconnectedness of historical events, the role of foreign interventions in shaping domestic political dynamics, and Cuba's persistent pursuit of sovereignty.