Conflicting Missions summary

Understanding Cuba’s Role in Africa

In Conflicting Missions by Piero Gleijeses, we delve into the intricate world of international politics during the Cold War era. The book begins by examining the role of Cuba in Africa. Contrary to the common belief that Cuba was merely a pawn in the hands of the Soviet Union, Gleijeses argues that Cuba had its own independent foreign policy, especially in Africa.

He takes us back to the early 1960s when Cuba began to support African nationalist movements. This was a time when many African countries were fighting for independence from their European colonial rulers. Fidel Castro, the leader of Cuba, saw these struggles as akin to Cuba’s own revolution against the United States-backed Batista regime, and thus, offered military and ideological support to these movements.

The Congo Crisis and Cuban Involvement

Gleijeses then delves into the Congo Crisis of 1960-1965, a complex period marked by political upheaval and foreign interference following the country’s declaration of independence from Belgium. This crisis is used to illustrate Cuba’s independent foreign policy. Gleijeses argues that Cuba’s intervention in the Congo was not at the behest of the Soviet Union, but rather a result of Castro’s belief in anti-imperialism and solidarity with the Congolese people.

During this time, Che Guevara, a key figure in the Cuban Revolution, led a group of Cuban soldiers in support of the leftist Simba rebels. However, their mission ended in failure due to various factors including lack of local support, harsh terrain, and the intervention of Western-backed forces. This episode marked a significant setback for Cuban foreign policy in Africa.

Angola’s Independence and the Cuban Intervention

The narrative then shifts to Angola, another African country fighting for independence. When Portugal, the colonial power, decided to grant Angola independence in 1975, a civil war broke out between several nationalist groups. The two main factions, MPLA and FNLA, were supported by the Soviet Union and the United States respectively.

In a surprising move, Castro decided to send Cuban troops to support the MPLA, marking Cuba’s first large-scale military intervention in Africa. The Cubans’ involvement proved decisive, helping the MPLA secure power and Angola’s independence. Gleijeses argues that this intervention was not at the behest of the Soviet Union, but rather a result of Castro’s belief in anti-imperialism and solidarity with the Angolan people.

Implications and Lessons

Through these historical events, Conflicting Missions presents a compelling argument that Cuba’s involvement in Africa was driven by its own independent foreign policy, rather than being a mere extension of Soviet interests. The book also sheds light on the complexities of Cold War politics in Africa, where local struggles for independence were often manipulated by global powers for their own interests.

In conclusion, Conflicting Missions offers a fresh perspective on Cuba’s involvement in Africa during the Cold War. It challenges the traditional view of Cuba as a Soviet proxy and instead portrays it as an independent actor with its own foreign policy objectives. This book is not just a historical account, but also a valuable lesson in understanding the complexities of international relations.