The Cuban American historian Germán Miret addressed a pivotal question in an interview with Tania Costa on CiberCuba: Can Cubans rally for change without sharing identical beliefs?
This discussion was sparked by a viewer named Frank, who suggested that what is essential is not "unity of thought" but rather "unity of action against the dictatorship."
At 86, Miret offered a nuanced perspective on this idea. "I agree to some extent," he stated, "yet, unity of purpose stems from shared ideas. Without common ground, unity is impossible."
To support his argument, Miret referenced José Martí, the 19th-century leader who united diverse forces under a single cause. "Martí succeeded in rallying everyone. With one guiding principle—Cuba's freedom—he consistently advocated for liberty. We cannot hope to topple the regime without a shared vision," Miret asserted.
By the end of the discussion, Miret adjusted his stance, aligning somewhat with Frank's view: "We don't have to think exactly alike, but we must recognize that what we all want now, or should want, is change, and to achieve change, we need to stand together."
Martí's founding of the Cuban Revolutionary Party in 1892 was precisely for the purpose of unity, under the belief that without cohesion among revolutionary forces, sacrifices would be in vain.
In the same interview, Miret touched upon the historical sympathy of Cuban youth for the Spanish Republic during the Civil War, noting that "most young people at that time supported the Spanish Republic," and that Cuba warmly welcomed exiled republicans.
He also mentioned the popular saying—often mistakenly attributed to Churchill—that claims if you are not a communist when young, "you have no heart," but if you remain one when older, "you have no brain."
The debate on the fragmentation of Cuban exiles and opposition is not new, but remains pertinent. In May 2026, analysts identified this division as a structural issue weakening the fight against the regime. Former political prisoner José Daniel Ferrer, exiled in Miami since October 2025, stated the internal opposition in Cuba has been "practically dismantled" following the July 11th, 2021 protests.
This conversation with Miret occurred against the backdrop of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro's first public interview. Known as "El Cangrejo" and the grandson of Raúl Castro, he promoted a supposed new economic model with 176 measures, without abandoning the political system, leading to widespread skepticism among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
In response, opposition groups in Madrid confirmed a democratic transition plan with four stages: liberation, stabilization, reconstruction, and democratization.
Understanding the Cuban Opposition's Challenges
Why is unity of purpose important for Cuban opposition?
Unity of purpose is crucial because it enables diverse groups to work together towards a common goal, which is essential in effectively challenging the current regime.
What historical example did Germán Miret use to illustrate his point?
Germán Miret referred to José Martí, who successfully united various factions under the single cause of Cuba's freedom in the 19th century.
What was the reaction to Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro's proposed economic model?
The proposed economic model by Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro was met with skepticism among Cubans, as it did not propose changes to the existing political system.