Paper short abstract:

Significant change in Cuban society has occurred under the Presidency of Raúl Castro and this paper examines whether this has been repeated with Cuban-Russian relations, a key relationship for the island.

Paper long abstract:

Under the Presidency of Raúl Castro fundamental change has occurred, and continues to occur, within Cuban society, with this being particularly pronounced in the field of economics. Despite not receiving the same attention as internal change the island's foreign policy has also continued to evolve. This also appears to be occurring with the island's relationship with the Russian Federation with the contemporary relationship being at its most robust since the end of Soviet-Cuban relations in December 1991. This is evidenced by Raúl Castro and Dimitry Medvedev both twice visiting Moscow and Havana, respectively, since February 2008.

This paper will examine Cuban-Russian relations in the second decade of the twenty-first century to ascertain the processes and pressures evident within this relationship and therefore the foundations of this rejuvenated alliance. This will allow the paper to conclude the agendas and interests at play within it to conclude whether the relationship has also undergone fundamental change similar to Cuban society.