Accession Number:

ADA470424

Title:

Security Requirements for Post-Transition Cuba

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL STRATEGIC STUDIES INST CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Crowther, Glenn A.

Report Date:

2007-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

40.0

Abstract:

This monograph serves multiple purposes, the most important of which is to contribute to the thought process of dealing with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias of Cuba FAR. Change is inevitable in Cuba. Both Fidel Castro and his brother Raul are aging. Their passing will trigger either a succession or a transition. With that change, Cubas security requirements will change as well. This monograph analyzes security requirements that the new Cuba will face and proposes what missions and structure the Cuban security forces might have after a transition. The overall long-range U.S. goal is a stable, democratic Cuba which is integrated into the global market economy. The U.S. Government Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba says that if a Cuban government asks for assistance, the United States could be made available in preparing the Cuban military forces to adjust to an appropriate role in a democracy. The Cuban military will have to change with the times, altering its focus from the territorial defense of Cuba and internal security to missions that are consonant with modern circum-Caribbean militaries control of air- and sea-space against transnational criminals. The military will need a new structure for these missions, less focused on insurgency in defense of the island and more focused on a common operating picture and integration with the efforts of Cubas neighbors. This monograph proposes a way ahead in preparing Cuban forces for the future, integrating them into the Western Hemisphere community of militaries, and ensuring their support for democracy, subordination to elected officials, and respect for human rights. It also suggests constructive engagement of the Cuban military with the international community. This change is inevitable, and can be relatively painless or long and difficult. Both the Cuban military and the international community have to decide which way they want it to be.

Descriptors:

• *INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
• *ECONOMICS
• *SECURITY
• *INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• *GOVERNMENT(FOREIGN)
• *COMMUNIST COUNTRIES
• CONTROL
• REQUIREMENTS
• GLOBAL
• MISSIONS
• WEST(DIRECTION)
• INSURGENCY
• COMMUNISTS
• CRIMINOLOGY
• DEMOCRACY
• ISLANDS
• SECURITY PERSONNEL
• HEMISPHERES
• CUBA
• AIR
• HUMANS
• UNITED STATES
• MARKETING
• DEFENSE SYSTEMS
• COMMUNITIES

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE