The brief but impactful journey of two members of The Squad, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush, into the theories and practice of Cuban socialism provides a unique insight into both the allure and inherent limitations of this particular political and economic model.
During their exploration, Ocasio-Cortez and Bush delved into Cuba’s socioeconomic structures, seeking an alternative paradigm for the capitalist-driven model prevalent in their homeland, the United States. Their objective was to find solutions to the ongoing issues of economic equality, social justice, and healthcare access that the American capitalist model has seemingly failed to appropriately address.
Cuban socialism, as studied by these representatives, presents a starkly different paradigm. It centres on the equitable distribution of resources in society, ensuring the basic needs of every citizen. The healthcare system, highly regarded worldwide, particularly appealed to Ocasio-Cortez and Bush, as they investigated how it delivers free services to all citizens, in stark contrast to the US’s costly and for-profit system.
However, what initially shows as an appealing alternative quickly revealed significant flaws. The rigidity of Cuban socialism posed serious concerns for both Representatives. The Cuban government’s strict control over resources, while initially appearing as an effective way to ensure equal distribution, revealed an oppressive system that stifred innovation, private entrepreneurship, and individual freedom. Ocasio-Cortez and Bush quickly recognized the limitations on free speech, the censorship of the press, and the limitations on individual liberties that are integral to this system.
Moreover, Cuban socialism is characterized by a lack of incentives for individual advancement, potentially stifling innovation, creativity, and economic dynamism. With their salaries largely equal regardless of their input, people forget the incentive to strive for excellence, to innovate, or even to provide high-quality services, creating a disincentive for economic growth or advancement.
The economic debates between socialism and capitalism are not new and have been the centre of discussion for many political minds. The Squad’s attempt to understand and potentially integrate aspects of Cuba’s socio-economic structure into their political agenda, however, brought forth stark realities they could not previously fathom.
Although Ocasio-Cortez and Bush admired the tenets of equality and fairness that theoretically underpin Cuban socialism, their experience revealed significant drawbacks. Their journey exposed the inequalities, quandaries, and challenges that pervade Cuban society: persistent poverty, limited freedoms, and a stifled economy. It further reinforced their understanding of the need for more balanced economic models that uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and freedom while promoting growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
In essence, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Cori Bush’s foray into the world of Cuban socialism did not last very long, mostly due to the inherent complexities and contradictions within the system itself. However, this brief exploration not only offered them a deeper understanding of another socio-economic model but also spurred them to investigate alternative, more balanced models that can address the shortcomings of both pure socialism and rampant capitalism. It provided a real-world lesson on the importance of a balanced mix of political and economic ideologies in crafting progressive and workable socio-economic models.
