Cuba is reviving its military doctrine of 'War of All the People' in response to escalating tensions with the United States and the threat of potential military intervention.
Amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana, the Cuban government is revisiting a military doctrine known as the 'War of All the People', originally conceived by Fidel Castro over 40 years ago. This strategic approach emerges in light of fears that a U.S. intervention could mirror the situation in Venezuela, prompting Cuba to prepare for potential confrontations without the expectation of foreign support. The doctrine primarily aims to make any foreign occupation costly in military, economic, and human terms for any invading force.
Established during the 1980s, when Fidel Castro recognized that the Soviet Union would not intervene in Cuba's defense if the United States, under President Ronald Reagan, decided to attack, the doctrine seeks to create a significant deterrent against invasion. As noted by historian Fabio Fernández from the University of Havana, the essence of this strategy was to communicate to potential aggressors that any military action would result in substantial casualties and a high price of engagement. This deterrence factor has historically played a crucial role in preventing foreign invasions,
The revival of such military tactics reflects the Cuban leadership's urgency to prepare for self-defense amid a tricky geopolitical landscape. With U.S. sanctions and pressures continuing to intensify, Cuba's acknowledgment of displacing military and civilian resources toward a comprehensive defense strategy signals a significant shift in internal policy. The implementation of the 'War of All the People' may not only affect Cuba's military readiness but could also shape its socio-political dynamics and its interactions with other nations in the region.
