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Reviews / Comptes Rendus
| Isaac Saney, Cuba: A Revolution in Motion (Halifax: Fernwood Publishing/Zed Books 2004)
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| THIS BOOK is a useful primer on a variety of aspects of contemporary Cuba, and sets out to puncture a number of myths about the Cuban revolutionary process. It does so in six chapters dealing with history, governance, racial identity, criminal justice, and the role of the United States. Saney, who has extensive experience on the island, provides some useful insights, consistently offering a provocative analysis. |
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The strongest chapter of the book is Saney's thoughtful analysis of the Cuban political system. He shows that the dominant liberal democratic paradigm has many shortcomings, counterposing the revolutionary democratic model of Cuba. In particular the oft-misunderstood (and extremely emotional) question of "human rights" is contextualized well. Likewise he analyses the generational shift in Cuba, and the increasing role of a younger generation in political life. The Cuban model of governance is complex—but is far more representative than many believe. Saney argues, and argues convincingly, that the myths shared by many about the revolutionary system need to be dispelled. His demythifying of the complex Cuban political system is particularly noteworthy, and adds a useful contribution to this debate. |
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In contrast the fourth chapter (on crime and criminal justice) is disappointing. It is overly technical, badly in need of explanatory footnotes, and in general adds little to the debate about the socialist justice system. One gets the sense that Saney tried too hard to shoehorn his own personal interests in the Cuban legal system into this chapter — and this somewhat forced approach leaves the reader occasionally bemused at the prolix discussion. The space could have been better used in expanding either the introductory chapter or the fifth chapter on US-Cuban relations. Here he analyses well the extent of US designs on the island since the early 19th century, but needs to examine in more detail the role of the Cuban American lobby which has held US policy towards Havana hostage for several decades. |
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Isaac Saney is to be commended for his initiative, and his industry, in providing this useful overview of the most recent phase of the revolutionary process. The first chapter is an exhaustive overview of some of the key elements of Cuban political history, and in particular his analysis of the "Special Period" (following the implosion of the Soviet Union) is worth noting. Inevitably, however, in such a broad overview, there are several areas which call for a greater analysis—such as a detailed study of pre-revolutionary Cuba, the political thought of José Martí, in many ways the precursor of Fidel Castro, and the latter's revolutionary manifesto, History Will Absolve Me, following the abortive attack on the Moncada garrison in 1953. A more detailed analysis of these aspects would have aided the reader to better understand the bedrock ideology of the government. |
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More serious is the need for a greater overall balance in Saney's analysis, which is at times simplistic and often errs on the side of wishful thinking. A greater variety of sources needs to be consulted in order to provide a more complete picture, and alternative, more critical views would be desirable. Saney might well reach the same conclusions and much of his analysis is indeed very solid, but at times the hectoring tone and lack of balance are disconcerting. His condemnation of capitalism is understandable, but occasionally he errs on the side of simplicity, such as when he notes that eradication of racism will only come with an end to capitalism. (120) At times the enthusiasm and ideological concerns appear to get ahead of Saney's analysis, when a more dispassionate approach might be more useful. |
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A final (minor) criticism. The book appears to have been rushed. There are, for example, numerous typographical errors (I caught twelve misspelled names), and an erratic use of Spanish accents (most are omitted). A greater number of footnotes would also be helpful, allowing the author to develop several areas which are at present barely touched upon. |
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That said, in many ways the weaknesses of the book are also its strengths. This is undoubtedly a broad-brush treatment, presented convincingly, of a complex revolutionary process. In writing this book and despite the occasionally naive observations, Isaac Saney has therefore provided a useful primer on the Cuban revolution. It is thoughtful, well developed, and expressed with vigour and enthusiasm. As an introduction to the Cuban revolution, it is informative and helpful, and is well worth reading. |
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John M. Kirk
Dalhousie University |
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