Cuba: Still punching above its weight

Abstract

The axiomatic phrase "punching above its weight" has continued to characterize Cuba’s behavior in world affairs. Despite material and structural deficiencies and inefficiencies, as well as a protracted bellicosity with the USA, Cuba, through the adoption of various pragmatic traditional and non-traditional diplomatic strategies, has attained a strong global presence. This trajectory has propelled Cuba into a leadership role in several areas of south-south cooperation, earning it the attention, respect, and admiration of other countries in the global south. The chapter will explore the validity of the designation of Cuba as a leading country in the global south by exploring four types of diplomacy-regionalism, multilateralism and internationalism, medical diplomacy, and public diplomacy-that this country has used to promote its national interest beyond its shores.