Cuba and its Neighbours: Democracy in Motion By Arnold August

Zed Books, 2013. ISBN-13: 978-1848138667

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Some of you will remember August Arnold’s early study of Cuban elections in the late 90’s. Not the easiest read and nor is this, but it is worth persevering with. It is the product of six years’ extensive research (06/12) and in 232 pages encompasses more detail than I have ever seen, not only about the Cuban democratic and electoral system, but Cuba’s neighbours as well. Arnold divides his book into three. Firstly he looks at how democracy is seen by eyes in the US and the effect that vision has had on Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador. The hardest section to read, but still an effective insight into the subject, attempts “to sweep away the strands of the cobwebs that surround the concept and practice of democracy”. Secondly he gives a sumptuous analysis of facts and information about Cuba’s Constitutions, elections and State from 1868 to 1976. The final and most rewarding section examines contemporary Cuba and the recent domestic developments as he critically investigates whether democracy can exist without the full and effective participation of the people. Like Isaac Saney’s book on Cuba he uses the ‘in motion’ tag in his title to reflect a process of constant change and development shaped by Cuba’s rich revolutionary history. This is a complex book based on extensive research (over 350 works cited and 37 interviews) which provides invaluable arguments against US ‘democracy’ and the often lazy misconceptions about Cuba’s political system and popular participatory structures that fuel the never ending attacks from both the right wing and the ignorant. With no less a reviewer as one of the Miami 5 – Fernando Gonzalez – resoundingly praising the book as “a very valuable and essential instrument in the struggle”; he strongly recommends the book to everyone who is interested in the subject of Cuba.

 Bob Oram for CubaSi Autumn 2013