Amidst the Trump administration's ongoing warnings about extending its political pressure in the Caribbean following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Cuba grapples with worsening energy and economic crises. In response, the regime has resorted to its familiar tactics: military propaganda and self-congratulatory ceremonies.
Saturday marked the beginning of what is called National Defense Day, a series of exercises and official events aimed at showcasing the island's readiness to counter "any imperialist aggression."
The Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) emphasizes in its doctrinal texts that defense is a "combat mission from the very first moments... with all the people" under any circumstance.
State publications, official networks, and related accounts are filled with slogans reminiscent of the Cold War era: "Our defense is unbreakable," "we are a brave people who know no fear," and that the trench is "in every neighborhood and every heart."
Such rhetoric sounds as outdated as the rusty AKM rifles, a cartoonish portrayal of the weaponry some militias display in promotional photos. Images depict uniformed individuals inspecting old rifles, outdated gas masks, and dusty machine guns, mingling with photos of civilians posing with pistols in sandy fields, as if they were extras in a B-movie.
Away from sophisticated modern weaponry, the military spectacle seems more suited for a military history museum than genuine preparation for real threats.
This reaffirmation of postures comes right after the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, carried out by an elite group of U.S. armed forces, resulted in the death of about 32 Cuban soldiers guarding the Venezuelan dictator. This event has shaken the island's Armed Forces and heightened official nervousness.
Moreover, the United States has stated that "no one can stop" its regional power after acting in Venezuela, even mentioning Cuba, Colombia, and Iran as potential focal points of its geostrategic influence.
In practice, the Defense Day exercise might strengthen the political apparatus's cohesion, but it hardly convinces anyone outside the confines of state propaganda. It's easy to proclaim "fear is unknown" when training with museum-piece weaponry, while basic necessities like electricity and medicine remain scarce for the population.
Ultimately, the defiant rhetoric of berets and rifles remains more a theatrical display of resolve than credible preparation for a radically different geopolitical reality.
Key Questions About Cuba's National Defense Day
What is the purpose of Cuba's National Defense Day?
National Defense Day in Cuba is designed to demonstrate the island's readiness to repel any perceived imperialist aggression through a series of military exercises and official ceremonies.
How does the regime's military propaganda relate to Cuba's current crises?
The regime uses military propaganda to distract from and assert control amid worsening energy and economic crises, projecting strength while basic needs remain unmet.
Why do the slogans used during National Defense Day appear outdated?
The slogans echo Cold War-era rhetoric, emphasizing resilience and bravery, but feel out of place in today's vastly different geopolitical landscape.