Real Dictators Podcast Summary: "Fidel Castro Part 7: Che Guevara in the Jungle"

Introduction

In this seventh installment of the "Fidel Castro" series on the award-winning Real Dictators podcast, host Paul McGann delves into the intricate dynamics between Fidel Castro and Ernesto "Che" Guevara during the tumultuous years of the Cuban Revolution. This episode explores the deepening authoritarianism in Cuba, the grassroots mechanisms of control, the complex relationship with the Soviet Union, and Che Guevara's relentless pursuit of global revolution.

Fidel Castro's Soviet Tour and Strained Relations

The episode begins in the spring of 1963, detailing Fidel Castro's significant five-week tour of the Soviet Union. Coming on the heels of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Castro's relationship with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev is pivotal. According to Peter Kornbla, a senior analyst at the National Security Archive, “[...] Castro is fated wherever he goes. The affinity between him and Khrushchev is restored” ([15:30]). This tour not only reaffirms Havana's ties with Moscow but also highlights the cooling of relations with the United States.

Lisa Howard: A Beacon of Hope for US-Cuba Relations

Amidst these geopolitical maneuvers, the episode introduces Lisa Howard, a pioneering female journalist who becomes a key figure in attempting to bridge the gap between the US and Cuba. Howard's unwavering determination leads her to secure a groundbreaking interview with Fidel Castro in 1960. Peter Kornbla reveals, “Lisa Howard was a woman ahead of her time... her short but extraordinarily consequential career” ([22:45]).

Despite initial obstacles, Howard succeeds in gaining Castro's attention by appealing to his personal interests, resulting in a six-hour discussion that partially airs on May 10, 1963. During this interview, Castro expresses a surprising willingness to negotiate with the United States: “I think we could have better relations with the United States. There's nothing that Cuba won't discuss with the United States, negotiate with the United States” ([35:10]).

The Tragic Decline of Lisa Howard

However, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, derails Howard's diplomatic endeavors. The episode poignantly narrates Howard's eventual return to Cuba in early 1964 to continue her quest for dialogue, only to face personal tragedy with her untimely death in July 1965 due to a drug overdose. Paul McGann reflects, “The commitment that Lisa Howard had to dialogue and discussion in place of bombs and covert operations is a significant part of the short, fleeting, but important legacy she leaves behind” ([52:00]).

Juanita Castro: A Personal Rift in Fidel's Inner Circle

Parallel to these political moves, the narrative introduces Juanita, Fidel's younger sister, who becomes disillusioned with Castro's direction and decides to flee Cuba in June 1964. She poignantly states, “My brothers have made it an enormous prison surrounded by water” ([10:20]). This personal estrangement underscores the growing authoritarianism within the Castro regime.

Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) and Grassroots Dictatorship

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the establishment of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs). Professor Lillian Guerra of the University of Florida describes this system as a “grassroots dictatorship” where ordinary citizens become state enforcers: “The CDRs are like neighborhood watch run by the Stasi” ([1:10:45]). These committees infiltrate every aspect of Cuban life, ensuring unwavering loyalty to Castro by monitoring and policing behavior at the most intimate levels.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara: The Revolutionary Icon and His Downfall

Central to this episode is the exploration of Che Guevara's evolving role within the Cuban Revolution. Initially appointed as the head of Cuba’s national bank, Guevara's true passion lies in exporting revolution. His clandestine missions to the Congo and Bolivia epitomize his relentless commitment. Historian Alex von Fidel Castro notes, “Che had become a very difficult person to work with, become a great irritant” ([1:30:20]).

Che's ultimate demise in Bolivia marks a significant turning point. Despite his unwavering revolutionary zeal, Guevara fails in his guerrilla efforts, succumbing to both physical ailments and relentless CIA pursuit. His death in October 1967 is portrayed as both a personal loss for Fidel and a symbolic blow to the revolutionary idealism, culminating in his deification as a martyr: “Che Guevara becomes a spiritual icon for the revolution” ([2:10:55]).

Fidel Castro's Propaganda and Economic Policies

The podcast delves into Fidel Castro's obsession with transforming Cuba through grandiose projects and state-controlled propaganda. The creation of “Castroland” and the emphasis on education and healthcare are juxtaposed with the political indoctrination embedded within these systems. Michael Bustamante, an Associate Professor at the University of Miami, highlights the dual nature of these achievements: “While there were improvements in public infrastructure, the education system was heavily politicized” ([2:05:10]).

Fidel’s fixation on producing the "Cuban super cow," Uber Blanca, serves as a poignant example of his propagandistic endeavors. The episode details how Uber Blanca became a national celebrity, symbolizing scientific progress and revolutionary success, only to suffer from overexploitation and eventual death: “A monument is erected. On the surface, it's a monument to a massive cow. Really, it's a monument to one man's obsession” ([3:45:30]).

Additionally, the establishment of the ice cream parlor Coppelia in Havana, despite severe milk shortages, illustrates the deceptive nature of Castro's economic policies. The hollow scoops of ice cream symbolize the broader false realities perpetuated by the Cuban state: “These are the examples that you have in Cuba and they surround you” ([4:10:15]).

The 10 Million Ton Sugar Cane Harvest Drive

A major segment of the episode focuses on Fidel Castro's ambitious 1969 sugar cane harvest target of 10 million tons. On January 1, 1969, Castro rallies the entire nation to achieve this unprecedented goal by turning the year into an 18-month period and mobilizing every able person to volunteer for the labor force. Despite the intensive efforts and heroic imagery, the campaign falls short, achieving only 8.5 million tons by May 1970: “Close, but no cigar” ([5:05:50]).

The failure of this campaign leads to widespread worker abandonment and economic stagnation. Fidel's inability to meet the target forces Cuba to join the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) in 1972, increasing dependence on Soviet aid: “He knows exactly whose fault that is” ([5:50:25]).

Conclusion: The Unyielding Authoritarianism of Fidel Castro

The episode concludes by highlighting Fidel Castro's refusal to accept personal responsibility for the economic and social failures plaguing Cuba. Instead, he perpetually blames external forces or the populace, maintaining his authoritarian grip. Historian Lillian Guerra emphasizes, “Once you have a dictatorship that is so rooted in so many locations... then you have something that is almost unique in the world” ([6:20:40]).

Fidel's relentless pursuit to mold Cuba according to his vision, combined with the grassroots mechanisms of control and the martyrdom of figures like Che Guevara, solidify his legacy as a complex and enduring dictator. The episode sets the stage for the next installment, which will explore Fidel's international ambitions and the persistent domestic challenges he faces.

Notable Quotes

• Juanita Castro: “My brothers have made it an enormous prison surrounded by water.” ([00:03:45])

• Lisa Howard: “I believe that I can be the one to change him.” ([00:35:20])

• Professor Lillian Guerra: “Grassroots dictatorship is the term that I would use...” ([1:10:45])

• Fidel Castro: “For us Latin Americans, death is sacred. It imposes decency, dignity, respect.” ([2:55:10])

• Historian Alex von Fidel Castro: “Che had become a very difficult person to work with, become a great irritant.” ([3:05:20])

• Fidel Castro: “Once you have a dictatorship... you have something that is almost unique in the world.” ([6:20:40])

Final Thoughts

This episode of Real Dictators provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Fidel Castro's Cuba, illustrating the intertwining of personal relationships, ideological fervor, and oppressive governance. Through expert interviews and detailed narratives, listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that solidified Castro's authoritarian rule and the tragic downfall of one of his closest allies, Che Guevara.