Evolution of Cuban National Identity under the Impact of Confrontation with the US and Official Ideology

The aim of the paper is to identify key values which emerged within the system of Cuban identity at different historical stages under contextual influences. The focus of the study are those aspects of identity which reflect the Cubans' views on their country's foreign policy. The paper makes an important contribution to existing literature given lack of research on this issue. In addition, the source base of the study includes not only official documents, but also archival materials (Archive of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation and the Archive of the Institute of History of Cuba) and the Cuban press of the 1960s. This work is particularly relevant in light of contemporary changes in the Cuban society, increased interest in Cuba expressed by Russia, based on common aspirations for a multipolar world and the significant role of Cuba in shaping the discursive power of anti-imperialist ideas. During the colonial stage, basic categories of Cuban identity were formed: idiosyncrasy, unity in diversity, national independence, love for the homeland. It was also during this period when expansionist aspirations of the United States towards Cuba began. During the final stage of the struggle for independence, the figure of the national hero J. Martí came to the forefront. Identification with J. Martí introduced a strong anti-Americanist component and ideas of Latin American unity, influenced by US interventionism. The revolutionary stage was pivotal for Cuban national identity as it strengthened the anti-imperialist element and added values such as revolution, internationalism, solidarity, socialism. A significant factor was opting for Marxism-Leninism in the context of escalating confrontation with the US and closer ties with the USSR. At the present, under the conditions of the change of government, implementation of market reforms, and crisis in Cuba, Marxism-Leninism loses its relevance. Revolution and socialism acquire new meaning, based on ideas of social justice, Cuban idiosyncrasy, and homeland defence, aiming to guarantee multipolarity in opposition to the US hegemony and their neoliberal practices, and to defend Latin American unity using discursive power of anti-imperialism. The idea of the Cuban people’s unity in the face of the US occupies an important place in the identity system. Radical revolutionary heroes are becoming less known to the youth, with the figure of J. Martí returning to the frontpage, which is being used by the US to undermine revolutionary government and anti-imperialist discourse.