This book is the first examination of the Cuban military in the context of Cuba's political and economic challenges in the aftermath of the collapse of the USSR - and therefore of Soviet economic, political and psychological support. It provides important historical and political contexts of the development and engagement of the military.

'This is an outstanding, exhaustively researched study that is absolutely fundamental for an understanding of both the reality of contemporary Cuba and its future...This definitive work on Cuban defence policy and the role of the armed forces is essential reading for anybody seeking to analyze one of the most important features of revolutionary Cuba. The book reveals insightful analysis, detailed research, and a genuine flair for understanding and explaining the importance of the Cuban armed forces. A true classic in the field of Cuban Studies.' - John M. Kirk, Dalhousie University, Canada

'He [Hal Klepak] writes insightfully, prudently and well...He draws on a wealth of expereince from his scholarly study of military institutions to enable him to signal the particularity of the Cuban military in a Latin American perspective.' - Jorge I. Dominguez, Latin American Studes

'This volume is an invaluable work from an author who has both unrivalled knowledge of the Cuban Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias (the FAR) and clear admiration for their mixture of professionalism and commitment...Klepak has thus provided a necessary antidote to preconceptions and an exceptionally worthwhile service to our understanding of Cuba.' - Antoni Kapcia, New West Indian Guide

Autorentext
Hal Klepak is a professor of history and warfare studies at the Royal Military College of Canada.

Inhalt
Mambises Still? The Revolutionary Tradition in the Cuban Armed Forces The FAR up to the Special Period 1959-1990: The Third World's Most Impressive Armed Force? The Blows: The FAR Alone in a Cruel World "The Proof is in the Pudding": The FAR and the Economy The FAR and the United States: Confidence Building in Limited But Important Sectors The FAR and Other Countries: Has the Search for Friends Brought Results? The Context at Home: Malaise sans fin ? The FAR and the Politics of 'No Transition': But Who Else? The Military Defence of Cuba: But Can the FAR Still Deter? Conclusion