Cuba, the Pink Tide and revolution in Latin America

International Socialism is hosting two events on Latin America in late October (London on Saturday 26 October and Glasgow, Tuesday 29 October).

Speakers include a Cuban revolutionary and academic who will be debating the legacy of the revolution.

At the turn of the century, Latin America saw an inspiring rise in popular mobilisations against neoliberalism by workers, peasants and indigenous organisations. A reflection of this was the election of several left wing governments, known as the Pink Tide.

But this mood seems to be coming to an end. Venezuela is in acute crisis and Bolivian and Ecuadorian governments are embracing neoliberal policies.

Worst of all, Jair Bolsonaro is president of Brazil. The far-right leader has opened up protected indigenous reserves in the Amazon to mining, farming and logging, showing how far he will go to further the interests of big business.

The victories of left governments, notably in Venezuela, also gave breathing space to the Cuban regime established 60 years ago. But even the Cuban rulers are seeking to break from decades of isolation by embracing the market. At the same time, Donald Trump is renewing hostilities against the island state.

Come to these one of these events to discuss and debate where next for Latin America.

Full details:

London
Cuba, the Pink Tide and revolution in Latin America

With sessions on

·         Brazil and Venezuela: the retreat of the Pink Tide

·         60 years on from the revolution: where is Cuba going?

Saturday 26 October, 2pm-6pm.
Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX
Tickets: £6 or £3 unwaged/student

Book tickets online here  or call 0207 840 5640.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cuba-the-pink-tide-and-revolution-in-latin-america-tickets-64365974362

Glasgow 
Where is Cuba going today?
Tuesday 29 October, 7pm-8.30pm
City centre venue to be confirmed, FB event here

Some suggested reading from International Socialism

Class battles in Latin America, by Andy Brown. (A review of Mike Gonzalez, The Ebb of the Pink Tide: The Decline of the Left in Latin America), http://isj.org.uk/class-battles-in-latin-america/

Where is Venezuela going? By Andy Brown http://isj.org.uk/where-is-venezuela-going/

Brazil: how big a defeat? Interview with historian Valério Arcary http://isj.org.uk/brazil-how-big-a-defeat/

The new Cuba: myths and realities, by Mike Gonzalez (A review of Steve Cushion, A Hidden History of the Cuban Revolution: How the Working Class Shaped the Guerrillas’ Victory), http://isj.org.uk/the-new-cuba-myths-and-realities/

Cuba behind the myths, by Chris Harman (A review of Sam Farber, The Origins of the Cuban Revolution Reconsidered and Richard Gott, Cuba: A New History), http://isj.org.uk/cuba-behind-the-myths/