Civil Society And Its Prospects For A Democratic Transition

Civil Society in Cuba and Its Prospects for a Democratic Transition 4/23/12 Although evidence has shown that civil society is developing in Cuba, the country will probably not undergo a democratic transition in the near future. Civil society is still repressed by the government, independent media is mostly silenced, and many of Cuba’s citizens appear understandably apathetic. Cuba will only transition to democracy, develop a democratic political culture, and consolidate its democracy only when civil society develops to a position of organization, strength, and mass support. This essay seeks to analyze the major impediments in Cuba’s prospects for democracy. Political History Cuba was one of the last Latin American nations to gain independence. The island won its independence from Spain in 1898, but was taken over by the United States after its victory in the Spanish-American War. In 1902, Cuba won its independence from the United States. In 1940, Batista was elected president but was voted out of office in 1944. From 1944 until 1952, the country was ruled by civilian presidents who had the support of political parties. In 1952, Batista orchestrated a coup after being out of office for eight years and presided over a seven-year military dictatorship. Batista’s anti-communism won him the support of the United States, but his administration was extremely corrupt and his closeness with the United States angered many Cubans. 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